Alpine Skiing Olympic Games Milano Cortina

Winter Olympic Games: Switzerland's Franjo von Allmen says it ‘feels like a movie’ after winning first gold at Milano Cortina 2026

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The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games have their first gold medallist after Switzerland's Franjo von Allmen triumphed in the men's downhill on Saturday. Von Allmen put down a blistering time to beat out compatriot, and World Cup leader, Marco Odermatt, as well as Italian duo Giovanni Franzoni and Dominik Paris, who took silver and bronze in the event.

'Feels like a movie' - Von Allmen reflects on winning downhill gold

Video credit: TNT Sports

Switzerland's Franjo von Allmen became the first athlete to win a gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games with a stunning run to triumph in the men's downhill.

Going eight out of the gate, Von Allmen went out after compatriot Marco Odermatt, the best skier on the men's tour and who had the lead at the time.

However, Von Allmen put down a blistering time of 1:51.61, 0.70 seconds ahead of Odermatt.

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The Swiss skier would be challenged by Italian duo Giovanni Franzoni and Dominik Paris, but they would ultimately have to settle for second and third respectively.

"I can’t really say in words what that means to me, for the moment, it feels like a movie," Von Allmen said to TNT Sports.

"Secret? To try to enjoy skiing, I was really relaxed in the morning, and trying to keep the good feelings from the training and trying to fit all the pieces together.

"I felt it was a good run, without any mistakes, but 7/10s in front of Marco, [Odermatt], I was surprised by myself, but that showed me that it was a good run and not only the feeling was good."

Von Allmen was rapid from the get-go, hitting speeds of 145km/h and with a jump of over 50 metres propelling him to Olympic glory.

He had to watch nervously though, as the Italian pair, roared on by the Stelvio crowd, came down after him.

The 24-year-old would have been particularly worried when Franzoni briefly led after the third interval, but he eventually finished 0.2s behind World Champion Von Allmen, much to his relief.

'Crowning moment of glory' for joyous Von Allmen as he receives gold medal

Video credit: TNT Sports

Then came 36-year-old Paris, a veteran in Stelvio, a seven-time winner there, who was next to put pressure on Von Allmen.

His experience showed as he put together an incredible tidy run, but it was enough only for third, finishing 0.5s behind the Swiss star.

It was a first Olympic medal for all three who stood on the podium, with Odermatt unable to add to his Beijing Super G gold from four years ago.

Von Allmen becomes the fifth Swiss Olympic downhill champion, following in the footsteps of Bernhard Russi, Pirmin Zurbriggen, Didier Defago and 2022 champion Beat Feuz.

Watch every event of Milano Cortina 2026 live on discovery+. Available across all subscription plans, starting at £3.99.

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