Tess Johnson’s journey back to the Olympics is a tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the deeply personal motivations that shape elite athletes. After debuting at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games at just 17, she faced a series of daunting challenges, including a significant setback by missing the 2022 Beijing Olympics and undergoing spinal surgery in April 2023 to address a chronic herniated disc. Now, at 25, she’s ready to grace the tracks again. In an interview with El-Balad, Johnson shared insights into her journey, highlighting how journaling helps her cope with psychological pressures and the legacy instilled by her grandfather’s career in journalism.
Tess Johnson: A Legacy of Persistence
Johnson’s return represents not only a personal victory but also a significant moment for U.S. skiing, especially with the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on the horizon. As she prepares to compete, her understanding of the Olympics—“the pinnacle of sport”—is grounded in experience. “It’s not the time to push away any of the thoughts about how intense the Olympics are. It’s time to lean in,” she states, signaling her evolved mindset towards performance pressures.
Her initial foray into skiing began at a tender age in Vail, Colorado, where snowy slopes were as familiar as the family affair that surrounded them—her mother a ski instructor and her father a ski patroller. This background undoubtedly laid the foundation for her competitive spirit.
A Glimpse into the Preparation
Amidst the grueling demands of elite-level skiing, Johnson’s tactical approach to preparing for events involves meticulous packing—a dual set of skis, essential gear, and her journal, which plays a crucial part in her mental preparation. “Journaling is an emotional tool to work through anxieties,” she explains, emphasizing how this practice fosters mindfulness essential for high-stakes competition.
Building a Competitive Edge: The Emotional Terrain
It’s a known fact that the emotional landscape of competitive sports can be just as taxing as the physical. “Every Olympic cycle is different, and so is the pressure,” she reflects. Her experience at the 2018 Games serves as a valuable learning point, providing her with both confidence and a greater understanding of the mental agility required to compete at such levels.
Impact Assessment: Johnson’s Journey and Its Ripple Effects
| Stakeholder | Before Johnson’s Return | After Johnson’s Return |
|---|---|---|
| Team USA | Missing star athletes in Beijing. | Stronger Olympic representation with seasoned competitor. |
| Upcoming Athletes | Self-doubt in facing injuries and setbacks. | Inspiration from Johnson’s comeback story. |
| Fans of Skiing | Concern about the future of U.S. skiing. | Renewed excitement and hope for achievements in Milan-Cortina. |
The Broader Implications
Johnson’s story resonates well beyond the slopes. The emotional and physical battles faced by athletes impact not only personal lives but also broader cultural narratives around resilience in sports. As Johnson steps back into the spotlight, she becomes a beacon for aspiring athletes dealing with their tribulations. Her ability to integrate emotional tools like journaling reflects a growing recognition of mental health’s importance in sports—a topic that’s gaining traction across the U.S., UK, CA, and AU.
Projected Outcomes: Future Developments to Watch
The upcoming months leading to the 2026 Olympics are critical not just for Johnson but for the entire skiing community. Here are three key developments to monitor:
- Increased Media Attention: Johnson’s return is likely to attract significant media coverage, shaping narratives around the importance of mental health in sports.
- Performance Metrics: How Johnson fares in upcoming competitions will gauge her readiness and set the tone for Team USA’s performance expectations.
- Cultural Impact: Her journey may inspire a wave of initiatives focusing on athlete mental well-being, influencing training programs at various levels.
As Tess Johnson embarks on this new Olympic journey, her legacy intertwines with her grandfather’s influence and her commitment to mental fitness, positioning her not just as a competitor, but as a harbinger of change in the athletic world.
