Ski Binding Failure Halts Italian Veteran Paris’ Medal Hopes
During the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, a stunning incident occurred as Italian skier Dominik Paris faced a critical setback in the men’s super-G event. On February 11, 2026, at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, Italy, Paris lost a ski due to a binding failure, which abruptly ended his race.
Ski Binding Failure Halts Italian Veteran Paris’ Medal Hopes
Competing for a chance at Olympic glory, Paris, 36, was determined to enhance his medal tally following his recent bronze in downhill skiing. Unfortunately, his hopes were dashed just moments into the race when one of his ski bindings unexpectedly released.
Incident Details
- Date: February 11, 2026
- Event: Men’s Super-G
- Location: Stelvio Ski Centre, Bormio, Italy
- Age of Dominik Paris: 36 years
- Olympic Games: Fifth appearance for Paris
Paris described the event, “I don’t know what happened, because it’s a ski I always used in the races, and it was always good.” His words reflect the frustration following an incident that echoed a similar experience he had on the same course two years earlier.
Past Experience and Future Considerations
This failure brings to light the risks athletes face while competing at high speeds. Paris also noted, “We’re checking the binding to see if something broke, because this just can’t happen.” Despite this setback, he remains proud of his recent Olympic success and his participation in such an esteemed event.
Following his disappointing run, Paris expressed his commitment to the World Cup season ahead, stating, “For now I’ll focus on the World Cup until the end of the season, and then we’ll see.” This reflects his dedication to the sport, despite contemplating whether this season would be his last.
Paris remains a respected figure in alpine skiing, noted for his impressive track record with six downhill and one super-G World Cup victories on the notoriously challenging Stelvio course. His experience and passion for skiing continue to inspire fellow competitors and fans alike.
The unfortunate incident not only halted Paris’ medal hopes but also left an indelible mark on his Olympic journey, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of competitive skiing.
