JACKSON, Wyo. — Local ski racing legend Breezy Johnson has withdrawn from the 2022 Beijing Olympics due to a knee injury she sustained in Cortina, Italy last week.
“I have to announce that I have unfortunately injured my knee and must withdraw from the Olympics,” announced Johnson in an Instagram post. “I crashed in Cortina the other day and immediately felt a massive crack in my knee. It was a large chunk of cartilage that is partially dislodged.”
Johnson explained that while she was given the option to compete, she believes it was neither realistic nor smart to do so especially considering the fact that she could do more damage and would likely not perform to the best of her ability.
“I love the sport of ski racing and I wanted so badly to realize my dream of becoming an Olympic Champion. To bask in the glow of that sunset. But the reality is that the risks, and there are always risks, are no longer worth it.”
Johnson is the world’s second-best female downhill ski racer and has remained among the top U.S. Alpine skiers in recent years.
In her announcement early Tuesday morning, Johnson said her sights are now set on the 2026 Olympic Games.
“[There are] goals that I can work on for the next four years. Before I return, hopefully, to the hill that stole this Olympic dream from me, for another shot at that gold medal.”
