Swiss Ski's Olympic drama: One spot left for 2026 Winter Games in Bormio
The Swiss Ski team has finalised its downhill lineup for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Bormio, sparking controversy among athletes. Alexis Monney secured his spot automatically after a strong fifth-place finish in Wengen's downhill this winter. Meanwhile, Niels Hintermann must now race against Stefan Rogentin in a head-to-head trial for the last remaining place in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The decision has left Hintermann frustrated, arguing that a three-way qualifier would have been fairer. With only men's ski races and ski mountaineering on the schedule, the Olympic atmosphere in Bormio also feels unusually subdued.
Swiss Ski based its selection on this season's performances, granting Monney an automatic nomination for the 2026 Winter Olympics. His result in Wengen's downhill convinced leadership to lock him in, alongside Marco Odermatt and Franjo von Allmen. This left just one spot open, forcing Hintermann and Rogentin into a direct showdown during the second training run for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Hintermann criticised the move, claiming it added unnecessary mental pressure. He argued that a three-way race for two places would have been more transparent. Monney acknowledged Hintermann's frustration but refused to step aside, stating he had earned his position through prior results.
Rogentin, meanwhile, accepted the decision and vowed to outpace Hintermann in the upcoming trial for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Swiss Ski defended its approach, noting that qualifications drain energy and that Monney's past success on the Olympic track justified his inclusion in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Adding to the unusual tone, Marco Odermatt joked about Bormio's lack of Olympic excitement. With few events beyond skiing, the village feels quieter than expected—even drawing comparisons to the COVID-restricted Beijing Summer Olympics.
The final downhill spot will be decided in the second training run, with Rogentin and Hintermann competing head-to-head for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Monney's automatic selection has set a precedent, prioritising season results over last-minute trials. The outcome will determine who joins Odermatt, von Allmen, and Monney in Bormio's Olympic downhill race for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
