Swiss Skier Von Allmen Claims First Gold at Milan Cortina Winter Olympics
Swiss downhill racer Franjo von Allmen has soared to victory, securing the first gold medal of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics with a breathtaking performance on the iconic Stelvio piste in Bormio. The 24-year-old athlete delivered a flawless run, outpacing Italian competitors in a thrilling display of Alpine skiing prowess.
Stunning Performance on the Stelvio
Von Allmen blazed down the sunlit track with remarkable precision, barely putting a ski off line as he clocked an impressive time of 1:51.61. This result smashed the mark set by his teammate and race favourite Marco Odermatt by a significant margin of 0.70 seconds, showcasing the young skier's exceptional skill and composure under pressure.
The victory was particularly notable as it came on a perfect day in the Italian resort, where 7,000 enthusiastic fans gathered to witness the high-stakes competition. Von Allmen's triumph set the tone for the Games, highlighting the intense rivalry and excitement that defines Olympic downhill events.
Italian Hopes Dashed on Home Soil
Despite a powerful home charge led by young Italian Giovanni Franzoni, the hosts were unable to secure the dream start they had hoped for at the Milano Cortina Games. Franzoni put in a strong performance but had to settle for silver, finishing just 0.20 seconds behind the Swiss champion.
His fellow Italian Dominik Paris, often dubbed the king of the Stelvio due to his six previous downhill wins on this legendary piste, claimed the bronze medal, finishing 0.50 seconds back. The Italian duo's efforts demonstrated the depth of talent in the host nation's skiing team, even as gold eluded them.
Odermatt's Unexpected Setback
The race outcome delivered a surprising twist, with 28-year-old Marco Odermatt—who has dominated men's Alpine skiing for half a decade—missing the podium entirely and finishing in fourth place. Widely expected to deliver Swiss gold in this blue-riband event and add to his giant slalom gold from the 2022 Games, Odermatt's performance fell short of expectations.
"I actually felt very good on the snow, on the slope, I had a good run," the World Cup leader remarked afterwards. "I don't know what I would change right now if I could do again. It was just not fast enough." His comments reflect the fine margins that separate victory from disappointment in elite downhill skiing.
A New Star Emerges
Von Allmen's victory not only marks a personal milestone but also signals the emergence of a new star in the world of Alpine skiing. His ability to outperform established favourites like Odermatt and withstand the pressure of competing against a vocal home crowd underscores his potential for future success.
This result sets an exciting precedent for the remainder of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, with athletes across disciplines now looking to match Von Allmen's gold-standard performance. The Swiss team will undoubtedly celebrate this early triumph as they aim for further medals in the coming events.
