"I have now achieved more than I ever dared to dream of."

“I finally have an Olympic medal!” Dominik Paris beamed like a little boy, overwhelmed. At his fifth Games, he had finally done it. “A dream has come true,” said the 36-year-old from Ultental after winning bronze in the Olympic downhill in Bormio.

February 07, 2026

From: ar

By Alex Raffeiner, from Bormio

"Domme, Domme!" chants echoed through the finish area of the Stelvio as Paris received the bronze medal from Prince Albert of Monaco. The powerhouse from Ultental was visibly moved. "Many people told me I deserved an Olympic medal. But I wasn't so sure," he said later. "I'd tried again and again at the Olympics. And I used to be younger, stronger," the Ultental native added.

Paris has always been a favorite among fans, all ski fans. This was evident once again in Bormio. The entire crowd rejoiced with the South Tyrolean ski star. "I've now achieved more than I ever dared to dream of as a child," he said, visibly moved, proudly displaying the bronze medal around his neck.

A circle closes

“Winning this medal in Bormio makes it all the more special. It brings things full circle,” emphasized the most successful speed skier of all time for the Italian national team, who can now also call himself an Olympic medalist. On the Stelvio in Bormio, Paris celebrated the first of his 24 World Cup victories on December 29, 2012 – at the same time as Hannes Reichelt. He was the 2019 Super-G World Champion in Åre and won the small crystal globe in Super-G that same year.

Medal winners beaming: Paris (right) with Franzoni (left) and von Allmen (back). © APA/afp / FABRICE COFFRINI

“All that was missing was the Olympic medal. Now I have it,” rejoiced the Ultental superstar. “This means so much to me.” The fact that Paris won Olympic bronze in Bormio of all places has a touch of fate. “It’s a course that combines everything. It takes courage and determination, but also technique and gliding power. You have to let the skis run. It’s the whole package that makes the Stelvio so special.”

Last chance seized

Paris has won the World Cup in Bormio seven times. This time, only the Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen and Giovanni Franzoni were faster. Both are 24 years old, twelve years younger than Paris. "The youngsters are strong, but old Paris can still keep up reasonably well," he chuckled at the press conference, eliciting much laughter in the media tent. "Four years ago, I really wouldn't have believed I'd be here today," Paris revealed. "I've gotten back on my feet in the last two years. I knew I could be fast. But I also knew it was my last chance. Even though I've won a lot in Bormio, success is never a given."

"The young ones are strong, but old Paris can still hold his own to some extent." dominik paris

It's different in the World Cup. The Olympics are special, much more unpredictable.” Paris had to compete in five Winter Games to win his first medal. Franzoni achieved it on his first attempt. “He's having a strong season,” Paris said of his teammate, who impressively withstood the immense pressure to succeed. “I've already tried to help him with my experience,” explained the man from Ultental. “I'm proud of him. It's great that our team has a bright future.”

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Keywords Winter sports Olympics 2026 Bormio dominik paris