U.S. News
Swiss Champion Surprises in Milan Olympics Opener
Clear Facts
- Franjo von Allmen of Switzerland won the first gold medal of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics in the men’s downhill event.
- Von Allmen finished with a time of 1:51.61, surpassing Italian favorite Dominik Paris by fifty-hundredths of a second.
- Americans did not secure a medal, with the top U.S. finisher placing in the top 10.
Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen earned gold in a dramatic men’s downhill event at the 2026 Olympics, edging ahead of strong Italian contenders on Italian soil.
The race took place Saturday at Stelvio Ski Center in Bormio, where von Allmen, 24, reached speeds nearing 84 mph.
“The 24-year-old skier, competing in his first Olympics, held the top of the podium for most of the final at Stelvio Ski Center in Bormio on Saturday morning.”
Italy secured both silver and bronze medals, with first-time Olympian Giovanni Franzoni finishing just two-tenths behind von Allmen.
Veteran Dominik Paris claimed the bronze in his fifth Olympic Games.
U.S. athletes, including Kyle Negomir in his Olympic debut, narrowly missed the podium. Bryce Bennett, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, and Sam Morse finished outside the medal positions.
Team USA will look for more medal chances in women’s and men’s events scheduled later on Saturday.
Stay informed on the latest Olympic developments and America’s pursuit at Milan Cortina.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
