Franjo von Allmen has etched his name in the history books as the 13th Swiss skier to win the World Championship Downhill title. The 23-year-old Bern native achieved this remarkable feat at the World Championships in Saalbach, Austria.
Von Allmen’s victory came after a thrilling race where he edged out his teammate Alexis Monney, who finished second. The Swiss duo’s success marked a historical moment, mirroring the 1991 World Championships in Saalbach where Swiss skiers Franz Heinzer and Dani Mahrer secured gold and bronze, respectively.
Heinzer, now a coach, played a significant role in the success of both Von Allmen and Monney. He guided them through training in Saalbach, instilling confidence and belief in their abilities. Notably, Von Allmen’s win is a testament to his resilience, having overcome a severe crash in November 2022 that threatened his career.