Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen clinched the first gold medal of the 2026 Winter Games on Saturday with an impressive victory in the men’s downhill event held in Bormio. With a remarkable time of 1 minute and 51.61 seconds, von Allmen showcased his extraordinary skill and determination, carving his name into Olympic history.
On a stunning day suited for racing, von Allmen’s performance surpassed that of Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni, who took home the silver medal. Franzoni’s commendable effort, however, couldn’t overshadow the brilliance of von Allmen, who had long been a favorite entering the competition. Adding to Italy’s achievement, veteran skier Dominik Paris secured the bronze, effectively bumping Swiss star Marco Odermatt off the podium.
The performance by the American team was less stellar, with Kyle Negomir leading the charge in 10th place, finishing 1.59 seconds behind the winner. Bryce Bennett followed closely in 13th, while Ryan Cochran-Siegle, a seasoned competitor making his third Winter Olympics appearance, ended in 18th place. Sam Morse rounded out the U.S. effort in 19th.
Cochran-Siegle had previously stood out in the opening downhill training session, clocking the fastest time, and he had also taken home a silver medal in super-G at the Beijing Games four years prior. The challenging Bormio course is renowned for its difficulty, spanning nearly 3,230 meters with a significant vertical drop of 986 meters and a steep maximum gradient.
Franjo von Allmen’s achievement not only marks a personal victory but also symbolizes Switzerland’s strength in alpine skiing, reaffirming their status as a powerhouse in winter sports. As the Games continue, there is excitement surrounding what other thrilling performances await fans.