The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics exploded into life on February 7 with the men’s downhill—the iconic “queen event” of alpine skiing—and the host nation Italy wasted no time claiming glory on home snow.
In a thrilling display of speed and heart on the legendary Stelvio course in Bormio, rising star Giovanni Franzoni powered to silver (1:51.81, +0.20) while veteran Dominik Paris roared to bronze (1:52.11, +0.50). The duo secured Italy’s first two medals of the Games, igniting wild celebrations among the flag-waving crowd and marking a dream start for the host nation.
The gold went to Switzerland’s unstoppable Franjo von Allmen, the 24-year-old 2025 world downhill champion, who delivered a flawless masterclass in 1:51.61—untouchable under pressure on one of the sport’s toughest descents.
Franzoni, 24 and making his Olympic debut, showcased breakout form with a bold, precise run that nearly stole the show. Paris, the 36-year-old “King of Bormio” with seven World Cup wins on this very hill, added Olympic magic in his fifth Games—his first-ever medal and a record as Italy’s oldest alpine medalist ever.
Fans are calling it pure passion: “AT HOME 🇮🇹❄️” captures the electric atmosphere as Italy opened with a double podium punch, blending youth and experience in perfect harmony.
This electric result sets the stage for more drama in alpine skiing. With the Stelvio delivering speed, courage, and unforgettable stories, Milano Cortina 2026 is already living up to the hype.
