SAALBACH-HINTERGLEMM, Austria (AP) — Mikaela Shiffrin and Breezy Johnson clinched gold in the inaugural team combined event at the Alpine Skiing World Championships on Tuesday, delivering a standout performance for the United States.
The American duo secured victory by edging out Swiss skiers Lara Gut-Behrami and Wendy Holdener by 0.39 seconds, earning the top podium spot in the event’s debut at the championships. Austria’s Stephanie Venier and Katharina Truppe claimed the bronze medal, further solidifying their country’s strong tradition in Alpine skiing.
For Shiffrin, this triumph marks her 15th career world championship medal, equaling the longstanding record set in the 1930s by German skiing legend Christl Cranz. The achievement adds yet another milestone to her decorated career as one of the sport’s most dominant athletes.
Johnson, meanwhile, secured her second gold medal of the competition after previously triumphing in the downhill event just three days earlier. Her strong performances reinforce her status as one of the premier speed specialists on the international stage.
In the team combined format, each participating nation fields two athletes—one competing in a downhill run and the other in a slalom. The final standings are determined by the combined times of both racers, requiring versatility and strategic pairing for success.
Lindsey Vonn, returning to competitive skiing, finished 21st in the downhill portion, 2.51 seconds off the lead. Her teammate, AJ Hurt, later competed in the slalom segment, resulting in a final placement of 16th for their team.
The introduction of the team combined event brings a fresh dynamic to Alpine skiing competitions. Following its successful debut at the world championships, the event is set to feature at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, where it will offer a new opportunity for nations to showcase their depth and adaptability.
With Shiffrin and Johnson’s dominant display, Team USA has set a high standard for the event’s future, further cementing their presence as a force in Alpine skiing.