Third in the Olympic downhill, fifth after the speed run in the combined event, and awaiting the super-G, Dominik Paris takes stock of his career: “This summer I’ll enjoy time with my kids and family, and I’ll play with my band—we already have three concerts lined up.”

Bronze in the Olympic downhill at Milan-Cortina behind Von Allmen and Franzoni, fifth after the speed run in the team combined (now waiting for teammate Tommy Sala’s slalom run). A smiling and relaxed Dominik Paris appears in the mixed zone at the bottom of the Stelvio run in Bormio. Jokes, thoughts, reflections: ten minutes to take stock of his career. “ “Because now I’m truly at peace with myself.”

How did you feel the day after winning the bronze, Dominik?

“Ah, I finally slept really well! It was my first—and maybe even my last—Olympic medal. I’ve let it all go—the tension, the pressure.”

Well, but there’s still the combined event… .

“Ah, yes, yes, but I believe we can win a medal. Tommy Sala is a solid slalom skier, and we’re in a good position, just 6 tenths behind Franzoni-Vinatzer.”

How did you choose the pairs?

“Giovanni had performed better in the downhill, so he got to choose first, then me, and so on. I’ve raced with Vinatzer many times before, so I don’t mind switching things up, heh heh heh.”

Did you hear from your family after winning the bronze? What did your kids say to you?

“Oh yeah, yeah, I talk to them every day and we video chat. They told me, ‘Dad, you finally got it…’ They’re always asking me to come home with something—this time I’m coming home.”

And what are you bringing them? What did you buy for them?

“Buy? No, no—they were talking about coming home with the medal, heh heh heh. I’m at peace with myself now. It’s a bit bittersweet when I look back, though…”.

Why is that?

“The downhill cup that I never won. And it’s mostly my own fault. I always went all out, thinking only about winning the races. But when I look back, there were times I should have been content with my finish. Beat Feuz got the better of me like this: in some seasons I’d win half the races, but he was always right on my heels. Other times I’d take too many risks and he’d secure a top finish. Oh well, it is what it is. I’m always pushing the limits—that’s just my nature.”

What’s next?

“Well, I don’t think about it. When I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming the greatest Italian downhill skier of all time, but I never expected to actually make it. Instead, I did it, and on top of that, people love me—that makes up for not winning the discipline title and gives me peace of mind.”

Will you write a song after the Olympics? To celebrate?

“Ah, no, no, time to relax now. But the band and I already have three concerts lined up for the summer: two in Switzerland and one back home. We’re getting other requests too, though—I don’t know, we’ll see.”