“He Will Succeed Me in Downhill Skiing”

Bassyonni

Published: February 7, 2026 6:18 AM ET

Beat Feuz, who won Olympic gold in downhill skiing four years ago in China, believes Marco Odermatt will succeed him. Odermatt, 28, is considered the favorite for gold at the upcoming event in Bormio, despite not yet winning there.

Marco Odermatt: The Gold Medal Favorite

Marco Odermatt is ranked as the world’s best downhill skier for the past three years. According to Feuz, he is the most experienced and has a solid chance of securing the gold medal. He has consistently performed well at Bormio, finishing on the podium multiple times.

Strong Contenders for Silver and Bronze

Franjo von Allmen (24)

Franjo von Allmen is a strong contender for silver. Feuz rates him highly, citing his aggressive driving style. However, von Allmen has struggled with consistency this winter, raising concerns about his performance.
Florian Schieder (30)

Florian Schieder may surprise many as a potential bronze medalist. While Giovanni Franzoni is often viewed as Italy’s strongest contender, he faces significant pressure at his home Olympics. This pressure could hinder his performance, giving Schieder an advantage.

Dark Horses in the Competition

Alexis Monney (26)

Alexis Monney has previously proven his skill on the Stelvio, winning in December 2024. While the current course conditions may not favor him, his previous experience gives him a chance.
Dominik Paris (36)

With six World Cup downhill victories on the Stelvio, Dominik Paris remains a relevant contender. Despite his past successes, he has struggled with the technical demands of the course in recent years.
Vincent Kriechmayr (34)

Vincent Kriechmayr, a two-time world champion, is another athlete to watch. His technical skills and speed could allow him to compete for a top placement, but he has not consistently capitalized on these abilities.

As the competition heats up in Bormio, all eyes will be on Marco Odermatt as he seeks to claim gold in downhill skiing. The talent pool is deep, and surprises are always possible in this thrilling sport.