Lucas Braathen Wins Gold for Brazil in Skiing

Lucas Braathen has won a gold medal for Brazil in the Winter Olympics giant slalom. This is the first time Brazil has won any medal at the Winter Games. He beat skiers from Switzerland to get the win.
By Newsroom | Sports, Brazil |

Milano-Cortina, Italy – Lucas Pinheiro Braathen has achieved a landmark moment for Brazil, winning the nation's first-ever medal at the Winter Olympics. The 25-year-old secured the gold medal in the men's giant slalom event, etching his name in sporting history. This victory also marks the first Winter Olympics medal for any South American nation.

Winter Olympics briefing: Pinheiro Braathen writes Brazilian fairytale - 1

The competition, held at the Stelvio Ski Centre, saw Braathen deliver a performance that culminated in a combined time of 2:25.00. He narrowly edged out Swiss stars Marco Odermatt, who took silver with a time of 2:25.58, and Loïc Meillard, who claimed bronze. Braathen's win is a significant achievement for Brazil, a country with a rich footballing heritage but limited participation and success in winter sports.

Winter Olympics briefing: Pinheiro Braathen writes Brazilian fairytale - 2

"He pumps his skis in the air. It was his time away, Pinheiro Braathen said, that reshaped and revived him."

A Journey of Dual Identities and Determined Pursuit

Braathen's path to Olympic gold is a narrative of divided loyalties and a deep connection to his heritage. Born in Norway to a Norwegian father and a Brazilian mother, his childhood was marked by frequent travel between the two countries. This nomadic lifestyle saw him move home 21 times before the age of 22.

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Winter Olympics briefing: Pinheiro Braathen writes Brazilian fairytale - 3

From a young age, Braathen harboured dreams of international athletic success.

Winter Olympics briefing: Pinheiro Braathen writes Brazilian fairytale - 4

  • Between the ages of three and 11, he lived in Brazil with his mother.

  • During this period, he played football and aspired to represent Brazil on the world stage, idolizing football stars like Ronaldinho.

  • His father, a keen skier, encouraged him to take up the sport.

The decision to compete for Brazil at the Winter Olympics, a year after returning to the sport, was a conscious choice to honor his mother's heritage.

"He felt far more comfortable playing football in Sao Paolo, and wanted to turn professional like his hero Ronaldinho."

Historic Achievement for Brazil and South America

Braathen's gold medal is not just a personal triumph but a monumental achievement for Brazil and the wider South American continent. In the 102 years and 26 editions of the Winter Olympics, Brazil has never before secured a medal. This victory opens a new chapter for winter sports in a nation more commonly associated with summer athletics.

  • Braathen is the first athlete from a South American National Olympic Committee to win gold at the Winter Games.

  • His win signifies a significant breakthrough, potentially inspiring a new generation of athletes in the region.

The Competition: Odermatt and Meillard

The men's giant slalom race was a closely contested event, with top Swiss skiers Marco Odermatt and Loïc Meillard also vying for the podium. Odermatt, the defending Olympic champion, expressed satisfaction with his performance despite finishing second.

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"The Swiss skier expressed his satisfaction with his performance at these Games."

  • Odermatt was a significant 0.95 seconds behind Braathen after the first run.

  • Meillard, who posted the third-quickest first run, finished over a second and a half behind Braathen.

Braathen's Resilience and Unique Background

Braathen's career has been marked by a deep personal journey. After a period away from skiing, he returned to the sport with renewed passion and a desire to represent Brazil. His diverse upbringing and experiences have clearly shaped his approach to competition.

  • He models and has his own skincare brand, indicating interests beyond his athletic career.

  • He was previously known as Lucas Braathen and competed for Norway, a nation with over 400 Winter Olympic medals.

"This was written for me."

The significance of his victory was palpable, as Braathen emphasized the inspiration young people in Brazil could draw from his historic win.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the gold medal in the men's giant slalom?
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won the gold medal. He is from Brazil.
Q: Is this the first medal for Brazil at the Winter Olympics?
Yes, this is the first medal Brazil has ever won at the Winter Olympics. It is a gold medal.
Q: Where did the race take place?
The race was part of the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy.
Q: Who came in second and third place?
Marco Odermatt from Switzerland won the silver medal. Loïc Meillard, also from Switzerland, won the bronze medal.