Franjo von Allmen (born 24 July 2001) is a Swiss alpine ski racer specialized in the speed disciplines: downhill and Super‑G. He represents Skiclub Boltigen and has quickly risen through the ranks from a promising junior to a world and Olympic champion. Born in Boltigen, Bern, Switzerland, he combines raw speed with technical precision.
Early Life and Background
Franjo grew up in the Bernese Oberland, in a rural region where skiing is part of daily life. He first took to skis around the age of two on the snowy slopes of the Jaun Pass and developed his passion while growing up on a farm. Before becoming a full‑time athlete, he completed an apprenticeship as a carpenter.
His early development in skiing was not without hardship: after the sudden death of his father, Franjo’s career was supported by a crowd‑funding campaign, enabling him to continue competing at a time when financial strain could have ended his ambitions.
Rise in Competitive Alpine Skiing
World Cup Debut and Breakthrough
- World Cup debut: 4 March 2023 in Aspen, USA — at age 21.
- First World Cup podium: January 2024, Super‑G in Garmisch‑Partenkirchen, Germany.
- First World Cup victory: January 2025, Super‑G at Wengen, Switzerland.
Across the 2024–2026 seasons, von Allmen established himself as not just a contender, but a consistent threat in the speed events. Through early 2026, his World Cup record includes:
- 5 World Cup wins (4 in downhill, 1 in Super‑G)
- 14 podium finishes
- Top‑4 overall World Cup ranking in the 2024–25 season
- Top‑3 downhill discipline ranking in both 2025 and 2026 standings
Dominating the 2025 World Championships
Von Allmen’s breakthrough on the world stage came at the 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Saalbach‑Hinterglemm, Austria:
World Champion in Downhill
In one of the most thrilling moments of his career, von Allmen unexpectedly claimed gold in the men’s downhill, clocking 1:40.68 and edging out Austria’s Vincent Kriechmayr. At 23, he became the youngest World Champion in downhill in decades, embodying both speed and precision under pressure.
World Champion in Team Combined
Building on that success, he also teamed with Swiss teammate Loïc Meillard to take gold in the newly introduced team combined event, helping Switzerland sweep the podium in multiple categories at the championships.
These performances marked von Allmen as one of the breakout stars of the 2025 season — surpassing expectations and stepping out of the shadows of established Swiss stars like Marco Odermatt.
Olympic Glory at Milan‑Cortina 2026
Franjo von Allmen’s momentum carried straight into the 2026 Winter Olympics (Milan‑Cortina):
Olympic Gold — Men’s Downhill
On 7 February 2026, at the historic downhill course in Bormio, Italy, von Allmen delivered a commanding performance to win the first gold medal of the Milan‑Cortina Games in the men’s downhill. His winning time — 1:51.61 — was enough to hold off rising Italian star Giovanni Franzoni, with veteran Dominik Paris taking bronze.
This Olympic victory further cemented his status as a generational talent and a definitive leader in speed skiing.
Racing Style and Persona
Franjo is known for his fearless racing style and willingness to take calculated risks down technical courses. He balances raw speed with a focused approach to tactics and ski control — traits that have helped him perform especially well in high‑pressure events like world championships and the Olympics.
Off the course, von Allmen enjoys a range of activities including motocross and downhill biking, which reflect his adventurous spirit. He carries a motto of fun and passion for the sport — something he says he reminds himself of before each run: “Rock ’n’ roll and enjoy!”
Beyond Skiing: Community and Cultural Impact
Von Allmen’s influence extends beyond the slopes, especially in his hometown:
- A local butcher created a signature sausage inspired by him — originally called the Silberblitz, later celebrated as the Franjo‑Wurst — highlighting his impact on local culture and community pride.
- His success has become a source of local and national enthusiasm in Switzerland, boosting support for younger athletes and drawing attention to alpine sports in the region.
Summary of Key Achievements
World Cup:
- Debut: 2023
- Wins: 5 (4 DH, 1 SG)
- Podiums: 14
- Top overall ranking: 4th (2025)
World Championships 2025:
- Gold, Downhill
- Gold, Team Combined
Olympics 2026:
- Gold, Downhill
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