Kvitfjell, Norway – Dominik Paris cemented his legendary status on the Olympiabakken course in Kvitfjell this past weekend, securing two more World Cup victories and surpassing Norwegian Kjetil Jansrud’s longstanding record for wins on the famed slope. The 36-year-old Italian skier, representing the Carabinieri, continues to defy expectations, raising questions about how much longer he can maintain this incredible level of performance.
Paris first triumphed in the downhill race, adding a third-place finish in the specialty standings to his accolades. He then followed that up with a victory in the super-G, becoming the most successful skier in the history of the 1994 Olympic venue. The win was particularly poignant, given Jansrud’s previous dominance on the hill.
“It’s a huge surprise, even for me,” Paris said, reflecting on his latest achievement. “I didn’t say it out of false modesty – I knew I was feeling good, that I had the right feeling to put in a good race, but honestly, I wasn’t expecting another victory (the super-G) at all.”
The conditions on the Olympiabakken presented a unique challenge for the skiers. “Under my feet, I felt something indecipherable,” Paris explained. “The snow was very uneven, not giving you that dry and precise response you glance for when you want to push the limit. In some sections, it almost felt like skiing on eggs – you had to go with the terrain without getting thrown off. I just tried to go prompt, to let the skis run where they could, without thinking too much about the time. Sometimes, when you don’t have absolute certainty, you have to ski instinctively, and that’s when the time comes.”
Surpassing Jansrud, a true icon of the sport, holds special significance for Paris. “Jansrud is a legend here, he’s the local hero. To surpass him feels strange. On one hand, there’s pride in the record, but on the other, a bit of regret for him. I’m sorry he’s no longer at the start gate to compete, because a champion like that deserves to always be able to defend himself on the track.”
Paris’s success isn’t solely an individual effort; it’s a testament to the strength of the Italian speed team. “This year, the team has been very strong,” he noted. “There’s a great atmosphere because we know that in every race, there are many Italians who can receive on the podium. It’s no longer ‘Paris against everyone’ but Italy attacking, starting with Olympic silver medalist Giovanni Franzoni. This raises the level for all of us during training and gives us a huge boost in the race.”
Franzoni’s emergence as a potential successor to Paris is a source of optimism for the Italian team. “Giovanni is a crystal-clear talent,” Paris stated. “He’s a guy People can seriously count on for the future, both for podiums and victories. He has the right head and the necessary ‘grit.’ It’s crucial to have young skiers like him pushing from behind, because they guarantee continuity for the movement.”
Despite his remarkable achievements, Paris remains motivated and focused on the future. “The motivation comes from this atmosphere and these tracks,” he said. “Every downhill is a story in itself, and every slope presents different challenges. Tomorrow, we start working on the details again. There’s always something to refine, a tenth of a second to gain in a turn, or a line to interpret better. The hunger never goes away.”
Paris’s continued success is a remarkable story of dedication, skill, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His dominance at Kvitfjell is a testament to his ability to adapt, overcome challenges, and consistently perform at the highest level. As he looks ahead, the question remains: can he continue to defy father time and add to his already impressive legacy?
The World Cup circuit continues next week with races in Soldeu, Andorra. Fans can follow all the action and results on the official FIS Alpine World Cup website: https://www.fis-ski.com/alpine-world-cup.
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