Vincent Kriechmayr, the 2021 world champion, finished 13th in the men's downhill at Kitzbühel on January 24, 2026, visibly emotional and frustrated with the result. No Austrian skier placed in the top ten, a first in the modern history of the Hahnenkamm race, highlighting the team's 1,046-day World Cup downhill win drought. Italy's Giovanni Franzoni won the race in 1:52.31, with Switzerland's Marco Odermatt second.
The Austrian alpine ski team, known as the 'Wunderteam,' endured a tough day at the Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbühel. Kriechmayr, the top Austrian finisher, clocked a time nearly 1.5 seconds behind winner Franzoni. He was open about his disappointment, stating, 'It really bothers me. I’m too ambitious for that.' He added, 'It’s going to take me time to get over it. After today, I’m no longer an Olympic hope.'
In response, Kriechmayr chose to skip the upcoming downhill in Crans-Montana, opting for training to regroup. He apologized to fans, promising the team 'will not give up anything.' Other Austrians fared worse: Manuel Traninger placed 24th, Raphael Haaser 25th, and several more outside the top 30.
Austrian media reacted harshly, with OE24sport labeling it a 'Historic debacle! The Austrian alpine skiers are worse than ever!' This poor showing comes amid a prolonged slump, as Austria has not won a World Cup downhill in 1,046 days.
Austria boasts a storied legacy in alpine skiing, leading with 128 Olympic medals (40 gold, 44 silver, 44 bronze). At FIS World Championships from 1931 to 2025, they hold 100 golds and 310 total medals. In the World Cup, Austrians have secured 34 overall titles and 926 race victories. Icons like Toni Sailer, Franz Klammer, Hermann Maier, and Marcel Hirscher have defined the nation's dominance since the 1950s.
The pressure intensifies with the Olympic men's downhill set for February 7, 2026, offering a chance to restore pride.
