Breezy Johnson Talks Injury, Heroes, Goggia and What's Next

Episode #10:

This week on the American Downhiller Podcast Breezy Johnson checks in with Lew, Daron and Marco to talk about her Injury, recovery and all things speedy on the Women’s World Cup Downhill Circuit. They caught up with her in Vail a few days before her surgery to repair her knee that will keep her from her second Olympics.

Right off the bat, the crew talks about their Ski Racing Heroes growing up and how they motivated them to pursue their goals. Anja Paerson was the bomb to Breezy from the way she skied all five events to her famous “whale-slide” after each victory. Breezy also mentions how much Lindsey Vonn motivated her to set high goals and work hard to reach them.

After an update on her crash, injuries, and recovery plans, Breezy shares what she has learned from past injuries and recoveries that will help her recover tougher and stronger and faster this time around. This includes working her “good leg” a ton which helps both mentally and physically to bounce back faster and stronger.

They then talk about Sofia Goggia and their “rivalry”. Breezy breaks down Goggia’s skiing style and how it compares to hers. She also breaks down their relationship based on mutual respect. Lastly, the group talks about the “Bib Draw” and how some racers use it to get in competitor’s heads!

Breezy then shares what Women’s Team leaders Vonn, Cook, Ross and McKennis taught her when she was a rookie and just coming up the ranks. Each of those heroes taught her so much both technically and mentally. She also describes the “confident and calm” vibe that the Women’s team had when they were on top of the World. Then Breezy talks about how she is helping the newbies on the Women’s Team.

Finally, they talk about what Breezy thinks is the last things she needs to get her on TOP of the podium when she returns. She describes how she needs to generate more speed in places, needs to take care of the little things, as well as how training Super-G works best for her as it is the best bang for the buck.

Breezy ends with giving her predictions on who will ski away with the Gold, Silver and Bronze in the Women’s Olympic Downhill race.