Unforgettable Moments: The U.S. Women’s Alpine Skiing Team Dominates the World Championships Era

For years, people wondered who from the U.S. women’s Alpine skiing team would rise to the occasion alongside stars like Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn. Recently, that question was answered by three standout skiers who each claimed their first individual medals at the World Championships in Saalbach, Austria.

Breezy Johnson took home gold in downhill and also won a team combined event with Shiffrin. Lauren Macuga brought home bronze in super-G, while Paula Moltzan secured bronze in giant slalom. It was historic, as it marked the first time four American women won medals in the same event at the Olympics or World Championships.

“We are in an incredible place as a team,” Shiffrin shared. Her pride in her teammates reflected the spirit and determination they all have shown.

This success sets a promising path for the upcoming 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games. Shiffrin aims to become the first American skier to win a third Olympic gold medal across all skiing disciplines. While Shiffrin, now 29, has excelled over the past 12 years, her teammates are on their own unique journeys.

Johnson, also 29, faced challenges leading up to her medal. She missed the 2022 Olympics due to an injury just weeks before the Games. Then, she sat out last season after a suspension for not meeting her out-of-competition drug testing requirements, which was described as relatively low fault. After winning gold, she said, “I’ve been working hard for so long. Sometimes it’s about the process, and just skiing well, and now to finally see results is incredible.”

Lauren Macuga, at only 22, made her mark at her first World Championships. She finished third, fourth, and fifth in her races. As one of three sisters aiming for Olympic glory in different skiing disciplines, she became the youngest American to win a World Cup speed race in nearly two decades.

Paula Moltzan, now 30, has a remarkable story of her own. After being cut from the national team, she spent three years skiing in college. Returning to international racing, she has become a consistent podium contender in slalom and giant slalom events.

Even Lindsey Vonn, 40, has made waves in her comeback after a five-year retirement, eyeing a spot for her fifth Olympic team in 2026.