How Did Von Allmen Claim His Third Olympic Gold at His Debut Games?

At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Switzerland's Franjo von Allmen has made history by winning his third gold medal in the men's Super-G, an achievement that marks him as only the third man ever to secure three Olympic alpine race victories in a single Games. This remarkable feat places him in the company of legends such as Austria's Toni Sailer and France's Jean-Claude Killy, who achieved similar successes in the past.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the Winter Olympics progress, Franjo von Allmen has emerged as a standout athlete, capturing gold in three events. His latest victory in the Super-G not only cements his status as a top competitor but also showcases Switzerland's strength in alpine skiing. As fans and analysts celebrate his achievements, the focus now shifts to his potential for future competitions and the possible legacy he may build in the sport.

Key takeaways

• Franjo von Allmen has won three gold medals in alpine skiing at his debut Olympics.
• He becomes the third man in history to achieve this feat, following Toni Sailer and Jean-Claude Killy.
• The men's Super-G is a highly competitive event, highlighting von Allmen's exceptional skill and speed.

Timeline: how we got here

Franjo von Allmen's journey to Olympic gold began long before the Games. Here’s a brief timeline of his key achievements leading up to the current moment:

• 1 November 2022: Von Allmen begins his competitive season with strong performances in the World Cup circuit.
• 15 January 2023: He secures his first World Cup victory, signalling his readiness for the Olympics.
• 5 February 2026: First Olympic race where he clinches gold in the men's downhill event.
• 8 February 2026: Wins his second gold in the alpine combined event.
• 10 February 2026: Captures his third gold in the men's Super-G.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Franjo von Allmen's latest victory in the Super-G adds to his already impressive medal tally, making headlines across the sporting world. This win not only reinforces his status as a leading figure in alpine skiing but also elevates the profile of Swiss skiing on the global stage.

What was already established

Prior to these Olympics, von Allmen had been recognised as a rising star in the sport, demonstrating consistent performance on the World Cup circuit. His previous successes have laid the groundwork for his Olympic achievements, indicating a promising career ahead.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the success of von Allmen may not directly impact UK households, it does inspire interest in winter sports and could influence viewership of future events. Increased engagement with the Winter Olympics can lead to wider support for winter sports programmes across the UK.

Businesses and jobs

With the heightened attention on alpine skiing, businesses related to winter sports equipment and tourism could see an uptick in interest. This might lead to more job opportunities in these sectors as demand increases for skiing gear and travel to winter sports destinations.

Policy and regulation

As the UK sees a rise in interest in winter sports, there may be discussions regarding the funding and support of winter sports programmes at the grassroots level. Increased visibility of Olympic athletes can push for policy changes that support athlete development and facilities.

Numbers that matter

• 3: The number of gold medals won by Franjo von Allmen at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
• 70: Years since Toni Sailer first achieved three Olympic gold medals in alpine skiing.
• 2: The total number of other athletes (Sailer and Killy) who have achieved this milestone before von Allmen.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Super-G: A type of alpine ski racing that combines elements of both downhill and slalom, featuring fewer turns than slalom but more than downhill.
• Alpine skiing: A competitive winter sport where participants navigate a downhill course on skis.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As von Allmen continues to compete, fans should monitor upcoming races to see if he can maintain his winning streak and potentially secure further medals.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the Olympics, attention will shift back to the World Cup circuit where von Allmen will aim to build on his Olympic success. His performance will be crucial in establishing his long-term legacy in the sport.

Signals to watch

• Results from upcoming World Cup races, especially in alpine skiing.
• Media coverage surrounding von Allmen and other Olympic athletes as they transition back to the competitive circuit.
• Potential sponsorship deals and endorsements that may arise from Olympic success.

Practical guidance

Do

• Follow winter sports news to stay updated on upcoming events and athlete performances.
• Engage with local winter sports clubs to learn more about participating in skiing or snowboarding.
• Support athletes by attending local competitions or events where possible.

Don’t

• Don’t overlook the importance of grassroots support for winter sports.
• Don’t assume that Olympic success automatically translates to long-term dominance in the sport.

Checklist

• Stay informed about future races and results in alpine skiing.
• Consider investing in winter sports gear if interested in participating.
• Explore local events and competitions in your area.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Franjo von Allmen's success is a significant achievement, it's essential to recognise that future performances may vary. Factors such as injuries, changes in competition dynamics, and evolving training regimes can impact an athlete's career trajectory. Thus, while his current success is commendable, the future remains uncertain.

Bottom line

Franjo von Allmen's remarkable achievement at the 2026 Winter Olympics not only highlights his exceptional talent but also serves to inspire a new generation of winter athletes. As the UK continues to engage with winter sports, the focus will be on how this success can translate into support and growth for the sport within the country.

FAQs

How many gold medals has Franjo von Allmen won at the Olympics?

Franjo von Allmen has won three gold medals at his debut Winter Olympics, making him one of the most successful athletes at the event.

Who are the other athletes to have won three Olympic golds in alpine skiing?

The only other athletes to achieve three Olympic gold medals in alpine skiing are Toni Sailer and Jean-Claude Killy, both of whom are legends in the sport.

What is the Super-G event in alpine skiing?

The Super-G is a type of alpine skiing race that combines speed and technical skills, featuring a single run with fewer turns than slalom but more than traditional downhill racing.