Feb 7 β€’ 12:35 UTC πŸ‡­πŸ‡· Croatia Index.hr

Franjo von Allmen won gold in downhill, debacle for Odermatt

Franjo von Allmen of Switzerland secured the Olympic gold medal in downhill skiing, marking a significant defeat for reigning champion Marco Odermatt.

Franjo von Allmen achieved a remarkable victory at the Winter Olympics by winning the gold medal in the downhill event held in Bormio, clocking in at 1:51.61. This win marks von Allmen as the first gold medalist of the current Olympic Games, which officially opened in Milan on Friday. His performance is a continuation of his strong form, having recently triumphed in the World Cup race in Crans Montana just six days prior to the Olympics, solidifying his status as one of the top competitors in the sport. With this achievement, he becomes both the world champion and Olympic champion in downhill skiing, having previously won gold at the world championships in Saalbach last year.

The silver medal was claimed by home athlete Giovanni Franzoni, who finished just 0.20 seconds behind von Allmen, showcasing a promising start to his Olympic journey at 24 years old. Veteran skier Dominik Paris took home the bronze, finishing with a time that was 0.50 seconds slower than the gold medal time, demonstrating his enduring skill and competitiveness at the age of 36. Franzoni's remarkable performance on home soil indicates that he is in peak form as he heads toward the 2026 Olympics, having recently won his first World Cup race in Wengen and followed it up with a victory in the downhill at Kitzbuehel.

The event not only highlights von Allmen's incredible talent and determination but also sets the stage for future competitions in the Winter Olympics where both emerging and seasoned athletes will vie for medals. The defeat of Marco Odermatt, a pre-competition favorite, is a significant storyline that could impact his performance in subsequent events, adding an intriguing element to the Olympic saga as the games progress.

πŸ“‘ Similar Coverage