Switzerland Secures First Gold in Men’s Downhill at Milan Cortina Olympics
In a thrilling start to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Switzerland’s Franjo von Allmen clinched the first gold medal in the men’s downhill skiing event. The competition took place at the Stelvio Ski Center in Bormio on February 7, 2026, marking a significant achievement for the 24-year-old skier, who was making his Olympic debut.
Men’s Downhill Event Highlights
Franjo von Allmen finished the race with an impressive time of 1:51.61. He reached a peak speed of 83.77 mph during the final stretch, showcasing his exceptional skill and determination. His closest competitor, Italian skier Giovanni Franzoni, also 24, earned the silver medal, just two-tenths of a second behind von Allmen.
Podium Finishers
- Gold: Franjo von Allmen (Switzerland) – 1:51.61
- Silver: Giovanni Franzoni (Italy) – 1:51.81
- Bronze: Dominik Paris (Italy) – Time not specified
Dominik Paris, a seasoned competitor and six-time World Cup winner in Bormio, took home the bronze medal. This marks his fifth Olympic participation and adds to his impressive collection of accolades.
Performance of Team USA
The American team faced challenges in this opening event. Kyle Negomir achieved a commendable top 10 finish in his Olympic debut, while fellow athletes Bryce Bennett and Ryan Cochran-Siegle placed 13th and 18th, respectively. Sam Morse, also a first-time Olympian, finished in 19th place.
Future Events
Team USA will seek redemption in upcoming events, including:
- Women’s cross country skiing skiathlon
- Women’s 3000-meter speed skating
- Women’s normal hill ski jumping
- Men’s snowboard Big Air final
The stage is set for more exciting competitions as athletes continue to strive for Olympic glory at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.
