Giovanni Franzoni: Italy’s Rising Star Secures Historic Olympic Silver in Bormio
BORMIO, 09 February 2026 — The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have found their first home-grown hero. Giovanni Franzoni, the 24-year-old sensation from Lombardy, has ignited the Italian crowds by claiming the silver medal in the Men’s Downhill. In a high-stakes opening weekend on the legendary Stelvio course, Franzoni’s performance has cemented his status as the new face of Italian alpine skiing, leading a double-podium finish for the host nation alongside veteran teammate Dominik Paris.
Olympic Glory on the Stelvio
On Saturday, 07 February 2026, Giovanni Franzoni delivered a career-defining run in front of a partisan Italian crowd. Clocking a time of 1:51.81, Franzoni held the lead for a significant portion of the event, showcasing the technical precision that has seen him rise through the FIS ranks. He was eventually eclipsed by Switzerland’s Franjo von Allmen, who took the gold with a time of 1:51.61.
The result marks Italy’s first medals of these Games, with Franzoni taking silver and Dominik Paris securing bronze (1:52.11). For Franzoni, the achievement is particularly poignant; the skier dedicated his medal to the memory of his late friend and fellow racer, Matteo Franzoso, in an emotional post-race interview.
The Men’s Downhill Podium: Milano Cortina 2026
| Rank | Athlete | Nationality | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Franjo von Allmen | Switzerland | 1:51.61 |
| Silver | Giovanni Franzoni | Italy | 1:51.81 |
| Bronze | Dominik Paris | Italy | 1:52.11 |
A Rapid Ascent: From Junior Champion to World Cup Winner
Born on 30 March 2001 in Manerba del Garda, Franzoni has long been touted as the successor to Italy’s great speed specialists. A member of the Gruppo Sciatori Fiamme Gialle, he first gained international prominence at the 2021 FIS Junior World Ski Championships, where he secured medals in both Super-G and Giant Slalom.
His transition to the senior circuit was punctuated by a breakthrough World Cup victory in the Wengen Super-G earlier this season. That win, combined with his Olympic silver, confirms his versatility across the speed and technical disciplines. Standing at 24 years old, Franzoni represents the vanguard of a new generation of Italian skiers prepared to challenge the traditional dominance of Swiss and Austrian rivals.
Future Outlook: Combined and Beyond
The Games are far from over for the Brescia-born athlete. Following his success in the Downhill, Franzoni is scheduled to compete in the Alpine Combined. Latest reports from the Olympic village indicate he will be paired with teammate Alex Vinatzer for the upcoming team-based events, as Italy looks to capitalise on their early momentum in the alpine standings.
Athlete Profile: Giovanni Franzoni
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 30 March 2001 |
| Place of Birth | Manerba del Garda, Italy |
| Age | 24 |
| Club | Gruppo Sciatori Fiamme Gialle |
| FIS Code | 6293831 |
| Olympic Medals | 1 Silver (Downhill, 2026) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What did Giovanni Franzoni win at the 2026 Olympics?
Giovanni Franzoni won the silver medal in the Men’s Downhill event on 07 February 2026, finishing just 0.20 seconds behind gold medallist Franjo von Allmen.
Where is Giovanni Franzoni from?
He was born in Manerba del Garda, in the Lombardy region of Italy, and currently represents the Italian national ski team and the Fiamme Gialle sports club.
Has Giovanni Franzoni won a World Cup race?
Yes, Franzoni recorded his first career FIS Alpine Ski World Cup victory in the Super-G at Wengen during the 2025/2026 season.
Who are Franzoni’s main rivals in the 2026 Games?
His primary competition includes Switzerland’s Franjo von Allmen and Marco Odermatt, as well as his own teammate, the veteran downhill specialist Dominik Paris.