(CNN)Bill Johnson, the first USA skier to win an Olympic men’s downhill gold medal, has died aged 55. When Johnson was awarded the gold on February 16, 1984, no American had ever previously won a medal in the men’s Olympic downhill. He attempted an improbable comeback in an attempt to make the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, but those hopes ended after a horrific crash during a training run in 2001.
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In recent years, his medical complications increased, and he was confined to the assisted living facility. “He’s had a rough couple of years and it’s been sad to watch him deteriorate like that”. Benefiting from a fast pair of skis and an aerodynamic tuck, Johnson completed the descent of Mount Bjelasnica in 1 minute, 45.59 seconds to beat Switzerland’s Peter Mueller by 0.27 seconds.
The American ski community, aware of Johnson’s ill health, celebrated his 55th birthday past year by sending him videos, notes and messages.
“What he did that day was unbelievable at the time”, said Bill Marolt, former president and CEO of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association.
At the age of 23, Johnson burst onto the World Cup scene in 1984, winning the storied Lauberhorn downhill in Wengen.
Later, Johnson struggled with knee and back injuries, the AP says.
“He was just a legend”, American speed racer Travis Ganong said. It was the first American men’s World Cup downhill victory in the modern era. “He will be dearly missed for sure”. 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.
Famed downhill skier Lindsey Vonn called Johnson a trailblazer in her sport and expressed her condolences to his family.
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His victory at Sarajevo remains a watershed moment for the U.S. Ski Team.
