In a ceremonial highlight of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Prince Albert II of Monaco presented medals to the top finishers in the men's downhill skiing and men's snowboard big air events on Saturday, Feb. 7.
The prince, known for his longstanding support of Olympic sports and environmental causes, took part in the awards ceremony following the conclusion of the men's downhill at the storied Stelvio piste in Bormio. The event, a cornerstone of Alpine skiing, saw Swiss athlete Franjo von Allmen claim the gold medal, with Italy's Giovanni Franzoni earning silver and his compatriot Dominik Paris securing bronze.
Later, at the snow park in Livigno, Prince Albert bestowed honors upon the medalists in the men's snowboard big air competition. Japan's Kira Kimura captured gold, followed by fellow Japanese competitor Ryoma Kimata with silver and China's Su Yiming taking bronze.
The presentations underscored Monaco's enduring ties to the Olympic movement, with the prince's involvement adding a touch of royal tradition to the modern spectacle of winter sports.
Photo credits: Christian Petersen / Cameron Spencer / Getty Images