Olympic downhill Champion Bill Johnson (USA) passed away on 21st January 2016 at the age of 55.
Johnson paved the way for the American Skiing program at a time when U.S. athletes were not dominant in the sport. His thrilling downhill run at the 1984 Sarajevo Olympic Winter Games surpassed all others to bring home the gold medal. In the same year, he won three FIS World Cup races including the famous downhill in Wengen (SUI). His accomplishments motivated an entire generation of American ski racers, with the team’s current success rooted in the achievements of that 1984 Olympic Team.
Unfortunately, Johnson’s career came to a tragic end in March 2001, when he crashed during a training run in Montana that left him with serious brain damage.
FIS would like to express its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Bill Johnson.
Source: fis-ski.com
