The opening day of alpine skiing at the Milan-Cortina Olympics proved to be a tough outing for Canadian competitors, as Swiss and Italian skiers swept the podium in the men’s downhill event. Franjo von Allmen of Switzerland clinched the first gold medal of the Games, finishing the treacherous Stelvio course in a remarkable time of 1:51.61. Following closely behind were Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni and Dominik Paris, who secured silver and bronze respectively, while Canada’s top finisher, James (Jack) Crawford, placed ninth.
Swiss and Italian Dominance
The men’s downhill competition showcased the fierce rivalry between alpine ski powerhouses. Von Allmen’s victory marked a significant achievement for Switzerland, with Franzoni and Paris finishing in 1:51.81 and 1:52.11 respectively. Marco Odermatt and Alexis Monney rounded out the top five for Switzerland, clocking in at 1:52.31 and 1:52.36.
Crawford, hailing from Toronto, was the highest-ranked Canadian skier, finishing in ninth place with a time of 1:53.00. North Vancouver’s Cameron Alexander followed in 14th with a time of 1:53.49. Jeffrey Read of Canmore, Alberta, and Brodie Seger, also from North Vancouver, finished 25th and 28th respectively, highlighting the challenges faced by the Canadian squad in this demanding event.
Reflections from the Canadian Team
Despite the disappointment, there were moments of personal achievement. Jeffrey Read, son of the legendary Canadian skier Ken Read, celebrated his Olympic debut. “It’s a bucket-list day for me,” he said, adding that skiing runs in his family’s blood. Meanwhile, Crawford reflected on his experience, noting that while he felt he performed well, minor mistakes ultimately cost him a shot at the podium. “I thought I finally brought that level that could have won today,” he said, expressing his determination to improve in future events.
Crawford, who previously won bronze in the combined event at the Beijing Olympics, had high hopes for this competition. He acknowledged that his past experiences on the Stelvio course had prepared him, but the uphill battle to secure a podium finish remains. “I just made a few mistakes here and there that unfortunately cost me that podium,” he lamented.
The Tough Terrain of Stelvio
The Stelvio course, notorious for its difficulty, stretches 3,442 metres with a vertical drop of 1,023 metres, a combination that has led to several injuries in the past. This year, the course conditions were more forgiving, with milder weather offering a reprieve from the usual harsher December conditions. Crawford noted, “The conditions were good. It’s Bormio. It’s super-bumpy. It’s hard. It’s one of the hardest if not the hardest World Cup tracks of the year.”
Canadian skiers are no strangers to the course’s challenges. In December 2024, multiple athletes, including skiers from Norway and Austria, experienced severe accidents during training runs. The high speeds and steep gradients demand absolute precision, leaving little room for error.
Looking Ahead
As the Canadian contingent shifts focus to the upcoming super-G event, Crawford is gearing up to improve upon his sixth-place finish from four years ago. Alexander expressed similar sentiments, acknowledging the competitive nature of the sport where split-second decisions can make all the difference. “It’s a tough sport. You have two minutes, and you can’t really make a mistake if you want to have a good day,” he noted.
For Seger, the past month has been a rollercoaster of emotions, grappling with confidence issues after a series of setbacks. “To be honest, I found some really good feelings on my skis today,” he reflected, indicating a silver lining despite a disappointing time.
Why it Matters
The performance of Canadian skiers at the Milan-Cortina Olympics underscores the intense rivalry in alpine skiing, particularly against the backdrop of Swiss and Italian dominance. As Canada seeks to build on its legacy in the sport—having previously won 12 Olympic medals, predominantly in women’s events—their journey in these Games highlights both the challenges and the resilience required to compete at the highest level. With promising opportunities ahead, the Canadian team remains committed to striving for excellence in future events, aiming to transform today’s trials into tomorrow’s triumphs.
