Athlete Profiles

Breezy Johnson enters this Olympic season with renewed purpose after climbing back from injury, a USADA ban, and the heartbreak of missing the 2022 Games. Her world championship triumph last winter reshaped her belief in what’s possible, and now the downhiller sees a rare chance for a full-circle moment in Cortina—the hill that once ended her Olympic dream. With momentum restored and perspective sharpened, she knows nothing is guaranteed, but everything is still within reach.

At 16, Logan Grosdidier joins the Stifel U.S. Ski Team as its youngest athlete. Her journey is just beginning, and Ski Racing Media is looking forward to following her season as she navigates the highs, lows, and learning moments of elite ski racing.

Toko athlete Annika Hunt shares what it felt like to step into a World Cup start gate for the first time in Levi, offering a candid look at the nerves, excitement, and lessons that came with her debut.

Kjersti Moritz steps into her first World Cup start on Saturday at the Stifel Copper Cup, launching her dream on the Colorado snow she grew up skiing. Her path, her mindset, and why this debut feels so special.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen’s historic victory lit up homes from Brazil to Norway, inspiring new fans and fueling a surge of excitement around Brazilian skiing.

Joan Verdú opens up about new skis, summer training, youth camps, and the mindset driving him into the Olympic season. Click the image to read the full profile.

Roy Steudle opens his World Cup season in Thursday’s Copper super-G, stepping in as Britain’s leading speed skier. His path, pressure, and hopes for a breakthrough are all here.

Luca Carrick-Smith joins Dave Ryding, Billy Major, and Laurie Taylor at the start line in Sunday’s Levi World Cup slalom — a historic first for four British men.

With pink hair, fearless turns, and unstoppable energy, Lara Markthaler — South Africa’s “Pink Tornado” — is redefining what it means to be a ski racer, blending style, strength, and global flair on her rise toward the World Cup stage.

Haley Cutler, an independent U.S. speed skier, opened her season with two South American Cup downhill wins in Chile and now aims to turn that momentum into World Cup breakthroughs. Without the full backing of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, she still receives some training opportunities with them but carries most of the logistics, fundraising, and program management herself. Supported by mentors like Lindsey Vonn and her Sun Valley network, Cutler is determined to prove that independence can still lead to success on skiing’s toughest stage.

Britt Richardson’s journey from fearless childhood days on skis to the World Cup stage is rooted in passion, resilience, and joy. With her sights set on the Olympics, she’s redefining what it means to find success beyond results.

After a breakout 2024–25 season that included World Cup points, a Junior Worlds medal, and a national title, 19-year-old Elisabeth Bocock is emerging as a serious contender for the U.S. Olympic giant slalom team. With 13 World Cup starts over two seasons and a full-time move to the World Cup squad, she’s gaining momentum at just the right time.

After breaking both legs in a World Cup crash, Sam DuPratt fought his way back to the start gate in Val Gardena—three years later, on the same hill. This is the story of grit, setbacks, and a comeback built on total ownership.

Daron Rahlves, the most successful U.S. men’s World Cup downhill skier in history, reflects on the bold moves, fierce rivalries, and fearless skiing that defined his career. From Squaw Valley freeskiing to Kitzbühel glory, his story is one of risk, resilience, and relentless detail.

Lauren Macuga’s breakout season delivered a World Cup win, a World Championship medal, and a bold Olympic trajectory. Known for her fearless skiing and fun-loving energy, the 22-year-old U.S. star is charging into 2026 with momentum—and her stars-and-stripes bucket hat in tow.

You will notice several fresh faces on the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team this season; six to be exact. Here is the 2025/26 rookie list.

Lindsey Vonn capped her first season back on the World Cup tour with a podium finish in Sun Valley, showing she’s still a force at 40 — and not done yet. With the 2026 Olympics in Cortina on her mind, Vonn is already planning her next move.

The Women’s World Cup giant slalom season reaches a crucial moment in Åre, Sweden, on March 8, as the final regular-season race sets the stage for the World Cup Finals. With Alice Robinson leading the GS standings, Federica Brignone surging with back-to-back wins, and Sara Hector looking to shine on home snow, the battle for the Crystal Globe is wide open. Every point counts as top contenders fight for victory and skiers on the bubble push to qualify for the Finals in Sun Valley.