Italian Skier, 23, Wins Historic First at Hahnenkamm

Giovanni Franzoni attacked the most feared downhill course in skiing and emerged victorious, claiming his first World Cup downhill win on Austria's legendary Streif track in Kitzbühel.

The 23-year-old Italian raced down the treacherous mountainside at speeds approaching 90 mph, navigating blind drops and massive jumps to finish in 1 minute, 52.31 seconds. Racing early as the second skier out of the gate, Franzoni set a time that no one could match despite dozens of challengers pushing to the absolute edge.

"This is unbelievable," Franzoni said after his win. "Taking my first downhill podium and first victory here in Kitzbühel is such a crazy thing."

The Streif course at Kitzbühel demands total courage from even the most experienced racers. Franzoni was competing on it for only the second time in his career, making his victory even more remarkable.

Switzerland's Marco Odermatt came achingly close to stealing the win, finishing just seven hundredths of a second behind Franzoni. But his second-place finish still made history as the 100th World Cup podium of his career, making him only the fifth male skier ever to reach that milestone.

France's Maxence Muzaton celebrated a career breakthrough at age 35, earning his first-ever downhill podium with a fearless third-place finish. "I always have a good feeling here in Kitzbühel," Muzaton said. "Today I did my best to push."

Italy placed three skiers in the top 10, building momentum as the country prepares to host the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Florian Schieder finished fourth while veteran Dominik Paris charged into seventh place.

Why This Inspires

Franzoni's story shows what happens when young talent meets unflinching courage. Just weeks ago, he was celebrating his first-ever World Cup podium. Now he's conquered the most prestigious downhill race in the world on a course that has humbled champions for generations.

Two American skiers also showed that determination matters more than reputation on the Streif. Erik Arvidsson finished 19th, his best result since returning from his second ACL surgery. "It's been insanely rough with the injuries, and I've definitely doubted myself," Arvidsson said. "Just being here racing was already a win."

Racing alongside him in a tie for 19th was Wiley Maple, competing without national team support as an independent athlete. Maple backed up strong training runs with race-day composure, proving that grit can earn points even on skiing's most unforgiving stage.

On a mountainside where careers can end in seconds, these athletes chose courage over caution and reached the finish line standing tall.