Winter Olympics 2026: Switzerland's first gold and norovirus incident in Milan

Switzerland is celebrating its first major success at the 2026 Olympics: alpine skier Franjo von Allmen sensationally won the downhill. However, the celebration was overshadowed by the IOC's announcement that norovirus had been detected among athletes in the Olympic village.

Downhill triumph: “It’s like in the movies”

The men's downhill in Milan-Cortina ended triumphantly for Swiss fans. Young talent Franjo von Allmen won the gold medal, showing a phenomenal result and ahead of the main favorite of the race — his compatriot Marco Odermatt — by as much as 0.7 seconds.

“It’s like in a movie,” von Allmen shared his emotions. “I knew I was going well, but this gap from Marco was a complete surprise to me.”

Silver went to the Italian Giovanni Franzoni (+0.20 sec), and bronze was taken by alpine skiing veteran, 36-year-old Dominic Paris , for whom this Olympic medal was the first in his career on his home slopes.

Norovirus at the Games: IOC remains calm

While fans celebrated the victory, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued an emergency statement. Five hockey players from the national teams of Switzerland and Finland were confirmed to have norovirus, an infection that causes acute gastroenteritis.

Cases of the disease led to the postponement of the first matches of the national teams of Canada and Finland. Despite this, Games executive director Christophe Duby stressed that the situation is under control:

“Let's be clear: there is no outbreak. Protocols are being followed and those who are sick are isolated and receiving care. We do not expect further spread of the virus,” Dubey said at a press conference.

The Swiss hockey team, despite one confirmed case, has already returned to training at the Milano Rho stadium after a short isolation. The medical headquarters has confirmed that all necessary precautions have been taken and the upcoming games will go on as scheduled.

Xrust Winter Olympics 2026: Switzerland's first gold and the norovirus incident in Milan