Dominik Paris, the 36‑year‑old Italian downhill star, suffered an ankle problem during his second timed run on the Lauberhorn course in Wengen. Medical staff reported no fracture, but swelling and limited motion remain under observation. With the Milan‑Cortina Winter Games only 22 days away, his fitness will directly affect Italy’s medal chances in the speed events.
Lauberhorn Training Incident: What Happened
Second Run Ends with Ankle Pain
During the final training session on Thursday, Paris completed two timed runs on the legendary Lauberhorn downhill. While the first run was smooth, the second saw him stumble near the finish, clutching his right ankle and hopping on one leg. Team medical personnel escorted him to the ski patrol tent for an immediate assessment.
Paris’ Recent Form and Olympic Role
2025‑26 Season Overview
Paris entered the 2025‑26 season after a three‑year World Cup winless stretch, capturing a super‑G victory in March 2025. Since then he has posted several top‑10 finishes but has not reached the podium at classic venues such as Kitzbühel or Wengen. His 2019 downhill world title and extensive experience make him a cornerstone of Italy’s Olympic speed‑event squad.
Medical Evaluation of the Ankle
Injury Type and Recovery Timeline
The Italian federation’s medical chief confirmed that ultrasound imaging showed no acute fracture or dislocation. The injury appears to be a moderate sprain, with swelling and reduced range of motion under close monitoring. Typical recovery for this level of sprain ranges from a few days to two weeks, provided the athlete avoids high‑impact stress.
Potential Impact on Milan‑Cortina Olympic Team
Points, Experience, and Course Demands
Italy’s depth in the downhill and super‑G events is limited. If Paris competes at full strength, his experience on high‑speed, high‑G courses could secure crucial World Cup points and boost team morale. Conversely, a compromised performance or withdrawal would remove a seasoned point‑earner and mentor, potentially lowering Italy’s overall medal outlook.
Next Steps for Dominik Paris
Upcoming World Cup Downhill and Recovery Plan
Paris is slated to race the final World Cup downhill in St. Moritz this weekend, a key indicator of his condition. The Italian team has prepared a tailored physiotherapy regimen emphasizing low‑impact training, swelling control, and progressive strength work. Should pain persist, the federation will prioritize his Olympic start over the St. Moritz result.
- Monitor ankle swelling and mobility daily.
- Implement targeted physiotherapy focusing on ankle stability.
- Assess performance in St. Moritz before confirming Olympic participation.
