Brazilian skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen secured South America’s first Winter Olympic medal by clinching victory in the giant slalom event. Despite challenging weather conditions with snowfall and fog, the 25-year-old remained composed and skillfully conquered the Stelvio course. His final combined time of two minutes and 25 seconds placed him ahead of Swiss racer Marco Odermatt, the reigning Olympic champion, by 0.58 seconds, while Odermatt’s teammate, Loic Meillard, secured the bronze position.
Pinheiro Braathen, known for his fun-loving persona and samba dancing, proudly represents Brazil in Alpine skiing. His helmet bears the phrase “Vamos Dancar” (Let’s Dance), reflecting his celebratory spirit during the Carnival season. Expressing his joy, Pinheiro Braathen emphasized the significance of his achievement for Brazil in Alpine skiing.
Hailing from a mixed heritage, with a Brazilian mother and Norwegian father, Pinheiro Braathen switched allegiances from Norway to Brazil, aiming to inspire future generations with his accomplishments. He has already made history as the first Brazilian Alpine skier to reach a World Cup podium and secure a World Cup victory, now adding the milestone of becoming Brazil’s first Olympic gold medalist in skiing.
Fans at Milan’s Casa Brasil enthusiastically supported Pinheiro Braathen, donning green and yellow attire and celebrating his triumph. The Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, commended the skier’s historic achievement, highlighting the dedication and talent that have elevated Brazilian sports on the global stage.
In addition to his giant slalom victory, Odermatt, at 28 years old, added to his medal tally at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics with a silver in the team event and a bronze in the super-G. Meanwhile, Norwegian skier Atle Lie McGrath paid tribute to his late grandfather by wearing a black armband during his competition, finishing in fifth place.