Von Allmen's Historic Gold in Downhill, Italians Take Silver and Bronze, Odermatt Disappoints
Swiss skier Loïc Von Allmen won a historic gold medal in the downhill at Bormio, with Italy's Giovanni Franzoni taking silver and Dominik Paris bronze, while Marco Odermatt faced disappointment.
Loïc Von Allmen, only 24 years old, celebrated a remarkable victory in Bormio, securing the gold medal in the downhill event. This triumph follows his success in Crans Montana just six days prior, where he also topped the podium in a World Cup race. With his performance, Von Allmen solidified his status as both the world champion and Olympic champion in downhill skiing, having previously won the world championship gold in Saalbach last year. His current form hints at a bright future ahead for the young Swiss athlete.
The silver medal went to Italian skier Giovanni Franzoni, who finished just 20 hundredths of a second behind Von Allmen. Franzoni's performance on home soil has been impressive, confirming his peak form as he prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Just last month, he claimed his first World Cup victory in Wengen by triumphing in the super-G, followed by another victory in Kitzbühel's downhill. Veteran skier Dominik Paris, age 36 and nearing the end of his career, secured the bronze medal with a time that was 50 hundredths slower than that of Von Allmen, demonstrating that he can still compete at a high level, especially at his home venue where he has achieved significant success in the past.
In stark contrast, Marco Odermatt, the reigning quadruple World Cup champion, experienced disappointment as he was unable to contend for medals in this event. This result has raised questions about his current form and potential vulnerabilities as the skiing season continues. The achievements of Von Allmen and his Italian rivals provide a glimpse into the competitive landscape leading up to the Winter Olympics, showcasing emerging talents alongside seasoned veterans in the sport of alpine skiing.