Sun Feb 08 02:10:00 UTC 2026: # Von Allmen’s Crowdfunded Dream: Swiss Skier Secures Downhill Gold at Milan Cortina Games

The Story:
In a stunning upset, Swiss racer Franjo von Allmen, 24, captured the gold medal in the downhill at the Milan Cortina Games on Saturday, February 8, 2026. This victory marks his first Olympic crown in his very first Olympic race, a remarkable achievement considering his career was nearly derailed as a teenager due to financial constraints following the death of his father. A crowdfunding project revived his aspirations, leading him to this pinnacle of success. The race, held on the challenging Stelvio course in Bormio, saw von Allmen finish in 1 minute, 51.61 seconds, edging out Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni and teammate Dominik Paris.

Key Points:

  • Franjo von Allmen of Switzerland won gold in the downhill at the Milan Cortina Games.
  • Giovanni Franzoni of Italy took silver, and Dominik Paris of Italy secured bronze.
  • Von Allmen’s career was once threatened by lack of funding, overcome through crowdfunding.
  • Aksel Lund Svindal, former Olympic champion, had identified von Allmen as a favorite.
  • Von Allmen uses the same ski technician as Beat Feuz, the 2022 Olympic downhill champion.
  • Franzoni and Paris sharing the podium was a dream realized, with Paris serving as a mentor.

Key Takeaways:

  • Perseverance and Opportunity: Von Allmen’s journey highlights how crowdfunding can provide crucial support to athletes facing financial barriers, enabling them to reach their full potential.
  • Swiss Dominance in Downhill: Switzerland continues its tradition of excellence in downhill skiing, following Beat Feuz’s gold medal in 2022.
  • Home Crowd Advantage: The strong performance of Italian racers Franzoni and Paris underscores the impact of enthusiastic home support at the Games.
  • Passing the Torch: The podium shared by veteran Dominik Paris and rising star Giovanni Franzoni signifies a transition in Italian skiing, with experience mentoring future success.

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