The Swiss men's downhill skiing team made headlines this past weekend, achieving a historic triple victory at the Crans-Montana ski resort. The event featured Franjo von Allmen, Marco Odermatt, and Alexis Monney taking the top three spots, marking the first such feat for Swiss ski racing since 1996.
The exhilarating race took place on February 22, 2025, on the challenging Nationale track, where Franjo von Allmen clinched his first World Cup downhill win, finishing the race with a blistering time of 1 minute and 56.07 seconds. His performance was almost flawless—embodying the skill and precision expected at this level—allowing him to emerge victorious ahead of his compatriots: Odermatt finished just 0.13 seconds later, followed by Monney at 0.42 seconds behind.
The dominance of the Swiss team at Crans-Montana is especially meaningful, as the venue has historically been associated with significant skiing events. It was here, back in 1987, where another memorable triple victory occurred, devoting this location as one of the landmarks of Swiss skiing excellence.
“I had to remain focused out there, and it paid off,” von Allmen said after the race, completely energized by the home crowd. The local fans celebrated as the scoreboard confirmed the podium positions, bringing back memories of similar celebrations from decades past.
Marco Odermatt, who is not only known for his downhill finesse but also his strategic racing, expressed his joy over the team's success. “To finish one-two-three is simply incredible,” he remarked post-race, highlighting the unique bond and competitive spirit within the Swiss lineup.
The event's atmosphere was electric, with the stands full of supportive fans who celebrated every ski and turn, reminiscent of the fervor seen at international competitions. Among the competitors, the performance of other Swiss skiers was notable, though they did not break the top three. Stefan Rogentin, Lars Rösti, and Justin Murisier finished farther back, but their efforts as part of the national team added to the sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
Adding to the emotional highs of the day was the heartwarming news surrounding Nils Hintermann, another key athlete from the Swiss contingent. Recently facing his own uphill battle against lymph node cancer, Hintermann shared on social media the news of his recovery and return to competitive skiing. His story has served to inspire not only his fellow athletes but also fans across the sport. “I will be returning stronger than ever,” he stated, reflecting the resilience and fighting spirit so often seen from Swiss athletes.
Looking at the overall standings, Franjo von Allmen's performance propelled him to the second position in the overall standings of the season’s downhill specialists, amassing 372 points behind Odermatt who leads with 445 points. Meanwhile, Odermatt's commanding performance continued to place him at the forefront of the overall World Cup standings, building on his considerable lead over competitors.
With each successful run, these athletes solidified Switzerland’s reputation as one of the top nations in alpine skiing. Their expressions of joy and determination remind fans and aspiring skiers alike of the dedication it takes to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Moving forward, the celebrations are expected to continue, especially as attention now shifts to the upcoming women's giant slalom, featuring nine Swiss competitors who will look to replicate their compatriots' triumphs. The Swiss team has become synonymous with excellence, showcasing their talent on the slopes and setting the stage for upcoming competitions.