Franjo von Allmen Triumphs in Olympic Men’s Downhill for Switzerland
Franjo von Allmen made history by winning the Olympic men’s downhill event, securing the first gold medal for Switzerland at the Milan Cortina Games. This victory took place on a sunny day in Bormio, Italy, where von Allmen completed the challenging Stelvio course in an impressive time of 1 minute, 51.61 seconds.
Final Standings of the Olympic Men’s Downhill
- Gold Medal: Franjo von Allmen (Switzerland) – 1:51.61
- Silver Medal: Giovanni Franzoni (Italy)
- Bronze Medal: Dominik Paris (Italy)
Von Allmen’s triumph marks a continuation of Switzerland’s legacy in Olympic downhill racing. He successfully defended the title for his country, which was previously held by Beat Feuz, who won the event at the Beijing 2022 Games before retiring.
A Day of Excitement
Franjo von Allmen, at just 24 years old, often operates in the shadow of his more recognized teammate, Marco Odermatt. However, on this occasion, von Allmen outperformed expectations. Their friendly rivalry has fostered a competitive spirit that benefits both athletes.
In a thrilling finish, Italian racer Giovanni Franzoni grabbed the silver medal. The 24-year-old has experienced a stellar season, highlighted by his recent wins including a World Cup super-G in Wengen on January 16, and a downhill victory in Kitzbühel just days later.
Dominik Paris, at 36 years old, clinched the bronze medal. Hailing from Val d’Ultimo, he is familiar with the Bormio course, having previously won seven World Cup races there. This Olympic medal is Paris’ first after competing in five Winter Games. Aside from skiing, he is also the lead vocalist of a heavy metal band called “Rise of Voltage.”
Notable Performances
The competition drew enthusiastic crowds, with fans cheering for all athletes, particularly for Franzoni and Paris. Kyle Negomir secured the highest placement for the United States, finishing in 10th place after finding a swift line down the course as the 27th racer to compete.
This Olympic men’s downhill event not only showcased extraordinary athletic talent but also highlighted the rising stars of alpine skiing, particularly Franjo von Allmen and Giovanni Franzoni. Their performances serve as an inspiration for future generations of athletes.
