Team USA Unveils Skiing Duos After Vonn's 2026 Olympics Mishap
The U.S. Ski & Snowboard team has officially revealed the pairings for the women’s combined event at the upcoming 2026 Olympics, a decision made in the wake of Lindsey Vonn’s unfortunate crash during her downhill run on February 8.
“Selection of teams is based on results from evaluative events, including the Olympic downhill race,” Team USA stated in their announcement on February 9. “The top downhill skier will be matched with the top slalom skier, continuing this pattern through four teams.”
Among the highlights, newly crowned downhill Olympic champion Breezy Johnson will team up with Mikaela Shiffrin, recognized as the most successful alpine skier in modern history. Both athletes aim to secure another medal for Team USA, having previously triumphed at the 2025 World Championships in the team combined event.
Other notable pairings include Jackie Wiles (downhill) with Paula Moltzan (slalom), Bella Wright (downhill) with Nina O’Brien (slalom), and Keely Cashman (downhill) with AJ Hurt (slalom).
The men’s team features Kyle Negomir (downhill) and River Radamus (slalom).
This event marks a historic first for the Olympic Winter Games, consisting of two runs: one downhill and one slalom. The winner will be determined by the fastest combined time from both runs.
While Team USA prepares for competition, Vonn, 41, remains absent from the women’s pairs after suffering an injury just 13 seconds into her downhill run. Her ski pole clipped a gate, resulting in a serious accident.
Witnesses reported hearing Vonn scream in pain as medical personnel rushed to her aid on the Olympia delle Tofane course in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
“Lindsey Vonn sustained an injury but is in stable condition and receiving care from a team of American and Italian physicians,” the U.S. Ski & Snowboard team confirmed following her crash.
Subsequent updates from Team USA indicated that Vonn was “in stable condition” and being treated by a multidisciplinary team at Ca’ Foncello hospital, where she underwent orthopedic surgery to stabilize a fracture in her left leg.
Vonn had previously been skiing with a torn ACL after an incident during her World Cup Race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on January 30.
“I also sustained a bone bruise, which is common with an ACL tear, plus meniscal tears,” she shared via Instagram on February 3. “It’s unclear how much of that was pre-existing and what was new from the crash.”
Despite her injuries, Vonn expressed determination to compete in the 2026 Olympics.
“I will still need to do one training run as required to race on Sunday, but I am confident in my body’s ability to perform,” she stated. “My knee is stable, there’s no swelling, and my muscles are responding as they should. I’ll continue to evaluate with my medical team daily to ensure we’re making smart decisions.”
This latest injury follows a year after Vonn was excited to be paired with Shiffrin for the women’s combined race at the 2025 skiing world championships. Although she had hoped for a “dream team” pairing, Shiffrin ended up with Johnson instead, while Vonn was matched with AJ Hurt.
“Why am I not surprised?” Vonn tweeted at the time. In a later statement, she reflected on her reaction: “Maybe I didn’t help myself or the team by expressing my feelings publicly. But I’m human and I was disappointed by the communication. I have feelings—so shoot me.”
