Franjo von Almen, a 24-year-old skier from Switzerland nicknamed the 'Carpenter Skier,' achieved an outstanding feat during the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics by winning three gold medals in alpine skiing, marking a remarkable debut on the Olympic stage. Competing in the men's super-G event held at the Stelvio Ski Center in Bormio, Italy, he finished with a time of 1:25.32, outperforming notable rivals including Ryan Cochran-Siegle of the United States and fellow Swiss skier Marco Odermatt.

This victory marks a significant moment in Swiss sports history, as von Almen is the first Swiss athlete to win both the downhill and super-G events in a single Olympic competition. His triumph is further underscored by the emotional support he received from his local community, who played a crucial role in his development into a competitive skier. Following the untimely death of his father when he was 17, von Almen faced financial hardships and opted for a carpenter apprenticeship while dedicating his summers to working in construction, all to fund his skiing aspirations.

In interviews prior to the Olympics, von Almen emphasized the financial challenges associated with winter sports and expressed the importance of ensuring that young athletes do not miss the opportunity to pursue their dreams due to economic constraints. He advocates for enjoying sports for fun rather than being overly focused on results, a philosophy that resonates with many aspiring athletes who face similar struggles. His story of determination and community support has made him a symbol of hope and inspiration in the world of winter sports.