Swiss Skier Wins Milan’s First Gold on Debut Attempt
In a stunning debut at the Olympics, Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen secured the first gold medal of the 2026 Winter Games. He achieved this historic win in the men’s downhill event on the challenging Stelvio course in Bormio.
Historic Victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics
On Saturday, the 24-year-old skier clocked a remarkable time of 1:51.61. This performance allowed him to narrowly beat Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni, who finished just 0.20 seconds behind. The competition was fierce, as the track spanned 3.2 kilometers and is known for its speed and difficulty.
Medal Standings
- Gold: Franjo von Allmen (Switzerland) – 1:51.61
- Silver: Giovanni Franzoni (Italy) – 0.20 seconds behind
- Bronze: Dominik Paris (Italy) – 0.50 seconds behind
Von Allmen expressed that the magnitude of his victory had not yet fully sunk in. He remarked, “I tried to enjoy the moment, but I didn’t realize quite what was going on today,” after crossing the finish line.
Cultural Significance
In a gesture celebrating his victory, von Allmen inspired by the Simmental cow, a breed native to his home in Bern, signified the cultural ties to his roots. He described the experience of competing in the Olympics close to his hometown as “crazy,” with family and supporters present at the event.
A Rising Star
Preparing for these Olympics, von Allmen had garnered attention as a strong contender. He entered the Games on the heels of winning the final World Cup downhill race prior to the Olympics. This achievement followed a challenging journey, which included a crowdfunding campaign initiated when he was 17 to support his skiing career after his father’s passing.
However, von Allmen is keen to focus on the present. “For me that chapter is closed,” he stated, emphasizing his desire to look forward to future competitions and opportunities.
