Lucas Pinheiro Braathen has achieved a landmark victory, becoming the first athlete to win a Winter Olympics medal for a South American nation. He secured the gold medal in the men's giant slalom event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This achievement marks a significant moment for Brazil and for alpine skiing on the global stage.
Braathen, who was born in Oslo, Norway, to a Brazilian mother and Norwegian father, has a compelling personal and athletic history. He previously represented Norway before switching his allegiance to Brazil, the country his mother hails from, approximately two years ago. This decision led to him obtaining a release from the Norwegian federation and ultimately booking a ticket to Brazil, a country he visited annually during his childhood.
A Medal Prospect for Brazil
Braathen's potential for a historic medal was evident prior to the event. He is ranked highly in both giant slalom and slalom disciplines, holding the second position in the world rankings for both. His World Cup career includes multiple victories, with six World Cup events won at the highest level of alpine skiing competition. Notably, he achieved the first-ever World Cup victory for a Brazilian, or any South American athlete, in an alpine skiing event.
Dominant Performance in Giant Slalom
In the men's giant slalom event, Braathen's performance in the first run positioned him in pole position for a medal. Starting first on the Stelvio course, he capitalized on favorable conditions to clock a time of 1:13.92. This placed him nearly a full second ahead of notable competitors, including Marco Odermatt, the reigning giant slalom gold medalist from the Beijing Olympics. His commanding lead in the first run set the stage for his eventual victory.
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The First Run Advantage
The advantage of starting early on the course was noted as a contributing factor to Braathen's leading time. The top 30 competitors were scheduled to race in reverse order of their standing, meaning Braathen, as an early starter, benefited from a potentially smoother track.
Holding the Lead
Despite the pressure of a significant lead and the anticipation surrounding a potential historic medal, Braathen maintained his composure. His performance in the second run was sufficient to secure the gold medal, solidifying his place in Winter Olympics history.
Background and Representation
Braathen's journey to representing Brazil is multifaceted. His father, described as a "ski bum," won custody of him, leading to his upbringing in Norway. However, Braathen's connection to Brazil remained strong through yearly visits from the age of 11. His decision to compete for Brazil has yielded significant results, including nine World Cup podium finishes for Brazil – five in giant slalom and four in slalom.
Significance for South America
This victory transcends individual achievement, representing a monumental milestone for South American athletes in the Winter Olympics. Prior to Braathen's win, no athlete representing a South American nation had ever secured a medal in any sport at the Winter Games. His gold medal in giant slalom now opens a new chapter for winter sports participation and representation from the region.
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Athlete: Lucas Pinheiro Braathen
Nationality: Brazil
Event: Men's Giant Slalom
Result: Gold Medal
Significance: First Winter Olympics medal for a South American nation.
A Colorful Personality
Off the snow, Braathen is known for his distinctive personality, which includes fashion lines and DJ appearances. This vibrant persona adds another dimension to his athletic achievements, as he views the race piste as his "stage."
Expert Insights and Commentary
Historical Context: The achievement is widely recognized as a historic moment, breaking a long-standing barrier for South American representation at the Winter Olympics.
Competitive Standing: Braathen's success is underpinned by his strong World Cup performance, where he has consistently ranked among the top skiers.
On-Course Dynamics: The giant slalom event's structure, with two runs, allows for comebacks and strategic racing, highlighting Braathen's ability to perform under pressure.
Conclusion and Implications
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen's gold medal performance in the men's giant slalom is a definitive achievement that will resonate for years to come. It signifies a breakthrough for Brazil and for the broader South American continent in the realm of winter sports. This victory is expected to inspire future generations of athletes from the region to pursue their Olympic dreams in winter disciplines.
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The event also showcased the high level of competition in alpine skiing, with athletes like Marco Odermatt and Loic Meillard also achieving podium finishes. Braathen's ability to outperform such esteemed competitors underscores the magnitude of his accomplishment.
Sources
NBC Olympics: https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/lucas-pinheiro-braathen-takes-historic-lead-mens-giant-slalom - Report on Braathen taking a historic lead in the men's giant slalom.
NBC Olympics: https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/brazils-lucas-pinheiro-braathen-seeks-first-winter-olympics-medal-south-american-history - Details on Braathen's pursuit of a medal and his prior World Cup successes.
NBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/olympics/2026-winter-olympics-two-athletes-deliver-south-americas-first-medals-rcna258896 - Context on athletes in contention for South America's first Winter Games medals.
Olympics.com: https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/news/braathen-in-pole-position-to-seal-brazil-s-medal-dream-in-giant-slalom - Analysis of Braathen's strong position in the giant slalom.
Clickondetroit.com: https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2026/02/14/brazils-pinheiro-braathen-leads-gs-after-1st-run-seeking-south-americas-1st-medal-at-winter-games/ - Report on Braathen leading the giant slalom after the first run.
The Times of India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/international-sports/who-is-lucas-pinheiro-braathen-can-the-brazilian-skier-bring-south-americas-first-winter-olympics-gold-medal-at-milano-cortina-2026/articleshow/128345610.cms - Biographical information and medal prospects for Braathen.
Channelnewsasia.com: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/alpine-skiing-brazils-pinheiro-braathen-course-historic-gold-in-giant-slalom-5931436 - Coverage of Braathen being on course for a historic gold.
France24: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260214-brazil-s-braathen-in-pole-for-historic-olympic-giant-slalom-medal - Report on Braathen being in pole position for a historic medal.
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