Switzerland Wins First Ever Olympic Men's Team Combined Skiing Gold

Switzerland has won the first gold medal in the new men's team combined skiing event at the Winter Olympics. Franjo von Allmen and Tanguy Nef took the top prize. Italy's Giovanni Franzoni showed great speed in the downhill part.
By Newsroom | Winter Sports, Olympics |

Event Marks Milestone as Skiing Continues to Evolve

The recent Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games saw the introduction of a new discipline: the men's team combined. This event, designed to test a nation's prowess in both speed and technical skiing, culminated in a victory for Switzerland's Franjo von Allmen and Tanguy Nef. While the Swiss pair secured the top spot, the event also highlighted the emerging talent of Italy's Giovanni Franzoni, who delivered a standout performance in the downhill segment. The competition's debut underscores a broader trend in winter sports towards more comprehensive athlete assessments.

Event Details and Progression

The men's team combined, held on the Stelvio course in Bormio, featured a two-part structure. One athlete from each nation competed in a downhill run, followed by a second athlete from the same nation tackling a slalom course. The cumulative times from both runs determined the final standings.

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Italy's Franzoni posts top time in downhill portion of team combined as event makes Olympic debut - 1

  • Downhill Leader: Italy's Giovanni Franzoni recorded the fastest time in the downhill portion of the event. His performance was a significant achievement, particularly as it followed his silver medal win in the individual downhill.

  • Swiss Victory: Franjo von Allmen and Tanguy Nef achieved a cumulative time of 2:44.04, earning them the gold medal. Von Allmen's success in this event followed his gold medal win in the individual downhill earlier in the Games.

  • Close Competition for Silver: Austria's Vincent Kriechmayr and Manuel Feller, alongside Switzerland's Marco Odermatt and Loic Meillard, finished with identical cumulative times, resulting in both pairs being awarded silver medals.

Key Performances and Context

Giovanni Franzoni's performance in the downhill segment was a focal point of the event. His fastest time of 1:51.80 on the Stelvio course positioned his teammate, Alex Vinatzer, for a strong showing in the slalom. Franzoni's speed on the downhill was notably faster than his competitors, including Marco Odermatt, by 0.20 seconds.

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  • Franzoni's Recent Success: Franzoni's downhill speed was a continuation of strong performances, including a silver medal in the individual downhill. This achievement was dedicated to the memory of his friend and teammate, Matteo Franzoso.

  • Von Allmen's Dominance: Franjo von Allmen demonstrated consistent excellence, securing his second gold medal of the Games. His victory in the team combined added to his earlier win in the individual downhill, showcasing his dual capability across speed disciplines.

  • Event Debut: The team combined's Olympic debut adds a new dimension to the competition, requiring nations to strategize and field athletes proficient in both downhill and slalom. This format seeks to evaluate a more rounded skiing profile.

Athlete Narratives and Milestones

The event was marked by compelling individual stories. Franjo von Allmen's journey to Olympic gold included overcoming adversity, having returned to skiing after his father's passing and securing funds through crowdfunding. His triumph in both downhill and the team combined represents a significant personal and national achievement.

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Italy's Franzoni posts top time in downhill portion of team combined as event makes Olympic debut - 2

  • Von Allmen's Backstory: Raised in challenging circumstances, von Allmen's dedication to the sport has led to remarkable success on the Olympic stage.

  • Franzoni's Potential: Giovanni Franzoni's rapid ascent suggests a bright future, with his downhill speed a critical asset for Italy in this new team format.

  • Podium Shared: The unusual scenario of two teams sharing silver medals underscored the intense and closely contested nature of the event.

Expert Insights and Event Significance

The introduction of the team combined event signifies a strategic evolution in Olympic skiing. It provides a platform for nations to showcase a broader spectrum of talent and encourages a different kind of team synergy.

"The team combined event involves one racer competing in a downhill run and another in a slalom, with their two times added up to determine the final results."

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This format rewards countries with well-rounded teams, capable of excelling in both speed and technical disciplines. It also offers a new dynamic for spectator engagement, blending the thrill of downhill speed with the precision of slalom.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The inaugural men's Olympic team combined has established a new benchmark in Alpine skiing. Switzerland's Franjo von Allmen and Tanguy Nef have etched their names in history as the first gold medalists in this discipline. Giovanni Franzoni's speed in the downhill segment highlights his significant potential and Italy's competitive presence.

The event's success suggests a lasting place for the team combined in future Winter Games, potentially fostering greater collaboration and depth within national ski teams. The outcome also serves as a reminder of the diverse pathways and personal journeys that lead to athletic achievement at the highest level.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the men's team combined skiing event?
It is a new Olympic event where one skier does a downhill race and another skier from the same country does a slalom race. Their times are added together.
Q: Who won the first gold medal?
Switzerland's Franjo von Allmen and Tanguy Nef won the first gold medal in this event.
Q: Who was the fastest in the downhill part?
Italy's Giovanni Franzoni had the fastest time in the downhill race.
Q: Were there any ties?
Yes, Austria and Switzerland tied for the silver medals.
Q: Why is this event important?
It tests skiers in both speed and technical racing, showing a team's overall skill.