At the 2026 Winter Games in Bormio, Italy, the women’s super-G event saw fierce competition as American skiers faced off against Italy’s alpine stars, including Sofia Goggia and Federica Brignone. Breezy Johnson, gold medalist in downhill, and Jackie Wiles, who secured a bronze in the team combined, represented Team USA alongside Keely Cashman and Mary Bocock.
The Italian duo, particularly Brignone, garnered attention as she made a triumphant return to skiing after a severe injury that included an ACL tear and a broken leg. Her performance was impressive, as she clocked an astonishing 1 minute, 31.41 seconds, setting a challenging pace that many others struggled to match. The course proved treacherous, with hazardous conditions causing a high rate of did-not-finish (DNF) outcomes, including several crashes.
The race played out under difficult circumstances, with the weather adding an element of unpredictability when fog enveloped the mountain. Romane Miradoli of France and Laura Pirovano of Austria managed to secure silver and bronze, respectively, while Brignone’s remarkable victory highlighted her resilience and skill.
Post-race, Brignone expressed her passion for competing at the Olympics despite her challenging comeback, stating, “My best thing was to be at the Olympics,” emphasizing her determination to take each day as it comes.
In a disappointing turn for Team USA, both Johnson and Bocock faced falls during their runs, with Johnson hitting the fencing but managing to get back on her feet. Bocock’s fall was significant enough to deploy her airbag, resulting in both skiers not finishing the race. Cashman and Wiles also struggled, finishing well off the podium.
The super-G, a blend of downhill speed and giant slalom maneuvers, allows for an exciting display of skill, as each skier has just one run to establish their time, highlighting the intensity and difficulty of alpine skiing.
This event serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and challenges inherent in the sport, as athletes push their limits and face formidable opponents on a global stage. The resilience shown by Brignone and her fellow competitors paints an inspiring picture of determination and sportsmanship at the Winter Games.