Who is Franjo von Allmen? The Swiss Carpenter Who Won the First Gold of the 2026 Winter Olympics

Franjo von Allmen has won the gold in the men’s downhill at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo. It was actually the very first gold of these Games and the race happened on the challenging Stelvio course in Bormio. He finished with a time of 1:51.61.

The Stelvio slope is considered the most challenging course, filled with steep drops and icy corners, in the entire Alpine skiing World Cup circuit. By winning over this circuit, von Allmen joins the previous two World Champions, Switzerland’s Pirmin Zurbriggen and American Bode Miller. Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni (1:51.81) and Dominik Paris (1:52.11) won silver and bronze, respectively.

Franjo von Allmen’s Background

Franjo von Allmen was born on 24 July 2001 in Boltigen, Bern, Switzerland. He learnt skiing at a very young age, reportedly starting as early as two years old at the Jaun Pass near his hometown. He worked as a carpenter before getting into professional skiing.

He competes in skiing in the Downhill and Super-G disciplines. He represents the club SC Boltigen. von Allmen made his skiing debut on 4 March 2023 in the World Cup. He has since risen in the ranks.

Franjo von Allmen’s Parents and Siblings

Franjo von Allmen’s father died when he was just 17 years old, and with that the financial hardships forced him to leave skiing. However, he took the sport again with the help of crowdfunding. His mother’s name is Susanna, and his siblings include a brother named Kilian and a sister named Melanie.

Franjo von Allmen’s Education: A Fully Qualified Carpenter

Before taking on professional skiing, Franjo von Allmen trained four years to become a carpenter. He completed his apprenticeship in carpentry in Switzerland. It involves years of education and hands-on work, learning woodworking and construction skills. He also worked at a carpentry company and whenever he gets time away from skiing, he showcases his skills.

“In the summer, when I have time, I might work as a carpenter for a few weeks. It would be nice,” the ski racer said via skiracing.com.

Franjo von Allmen Achievements

Before this Olympic gold, Franjo von Allmen had already won two golds at the 2025 Alpine Ski World Championships (Saalbach), including downhill and team combined. Here are all of his career highlights:

Olympics

2026: Olympic Downhill Gold

World Championships

2025: Downhill World Champion

2025: Team Combined World Champion

World Cup

5 World Cup wins (4 DH, 1 SG)

14 World Cup podiums (8 DH, 6 SG)

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