Mikaela Shiffrin and Breezy Johnson: A Dynamic Duo at the World Championships
In the picturesque alpine setting of Méribel, France, two legendary skiers, Mikaela Shiffrin and Breezy Johnson, etched their names into the history books with a remarkable triumph in the inaugural team combined event at the 2023 World Championships.
Their victory, Shiffrin’s eighth gold and Johnson’s second, marked a culmination of years of unwavering friendship and mutual support. The two first crossed paths as 13-year-old roommates, forging an unbreakable bond that has only deepened over time.
"We talked about our hopes and dreams, and I think we connected on feeling a bit lost in a world where young girls weren’t supposed to be as ambitious as we were," Shiffrin recalled at a post-race celebration. "I’m so grateful to have you as my teammate today. This is a memory that surpasses any medal I’ve ever won."
Shiffrin’s words held immense weight, considering her unparalleled record of 99 World Cup victories and seven previous world championship golds. Johnson, herself a formidable downhiller, expressed her admiration for her teammate’s legendary status.
"She’s such a legend," Johnson said of Shiffrin. "It’s incredible to be at my peak while she’s been at hers for over a decade."
The path to their triumph was not without obstacles. Shiffrin, who suffered a severe oblique injury in November, had missed almost two months of racing. She initially planned to skip the team combined to focus on her individual events.
However, Shiffrin’s withdrawal from the giant slalom on Monday due to lingering PTSD from her crash opened the door for a potential return to the team combined. US Ski Team officials swiftly paired her with Johnson, recognizing their formidable synergy.
"You could have won downhill gold and coasted," Shiffrin said to Johnson. "But you were like, ‘No, let’s do it!’"
The team combined event, a thrilling showcase of downhill and slalom skills, will make its Olympic debut next year in Milan Cortina. This was its inaugural appearance at the world championships, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
Shiffrin’s blazing downhill run, coupled with her strong slalom performance, put the American duo in a prime position to challenge for gold. Austria, Germany, and fellow American Paula Moltzan posed formidable threats, but they ultimately fell short of Shiffrin and Johnson’s combined time of 2:40.89.
Austria’s Stephanie Venier and Katharina Truppe claimed the bronze, while Macuga and Moltzan narrowly missed the podium in fourth place. Jackie Wiles and Katie Hensien finished 10th, and Lindsey Vonn and AJ Hurt took 16th place.
Shiffrin’s joy was palpable after the victory, echoing the team spirit that had carried them to success.
"This was an amazing day," she said. "For me, it was nerve-wracking because Breezy did her job spectacularly. … Really, really unbelievable. Just happy."
Shiffrin will have another opportunity to add to her medal tally in Saturday’s slalom race, an event in which she holds four world championship titles. Her unwavering determination, coupled with the steadfast support of her teammate Breezy Johnson, promises an unforgettable end to a thrilling world championship campaign.
