Brazilian Skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen Wins Historic Gold at 2026 Winter Olympics Alpine Skiing

 

Brazilian Skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen Wins Historic Gold Medal at 2026 Winter Olympics in Alpine Skiing

In a moment that will go down in Olympic history, 25-year-old Lucas Pinheiro Braathen delivered an unforgettable performance to claim gold in the men's giant slalom at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Representing Brazil, the Norwegian-born skier edged out favorites to secure not just his first Olympic gold, but Brazil's—and indeed South America's—first-ever Winter Olympic medal.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen proudly displays his gold medal – a historic first for Brazil at the Winter Olympics. (Credit: Getty Images)

Born in Oslo to a Norwegian father and Brazilian mother, Braathen originally competed for Norway before switching allegiance to Brazil in 2024 following a high-profile dispute with the Norwegian Ski Federation. His return to the sport after a brief retirement has been nothing short of remarkable, and this gold medal caps an incredible journey of resilience and identity.

Braathen wraps himself in the Brazilian flag in pure joy after clinching gold in giant slalom. (Credit: The Independent)

A Thrilling Race and Historic Breakthrough

On February 14, 2026, Braathen powered through two flawless runs on the demanding Stelvio slope in Bormio, outpacing Swiss star Marco Odermatt (silver) and Loïc Meillard (bronze). His victory ended a long streak of European dominance in alpine skiing and sent shockwaves through the sporting world.

As reported by Olympics.com and Associated Press, Braathen's win sparked carnival-like celebrations among Brazilian fans, blending samba spirit with alpine triumph.

Braathen leaps for joy on the podium alongside teammates – a moment of pure Brazilian pride. (Credit: AP)

“I’m not even able to grasp reality right now. This is for Brazil – we did it!”
— Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, moments after his historic gold medal win

Why This Moment Matters

For a country synonymous with summer sports like soccer and volleyball, Braathen's achievement opens new doors. It highlights diversity in winter sports and proves that passion and talent can transcend geography. His charismatic personality and bold style have already made him a global fan favorite.

Braathen carving through the gates with precision during his gold-medal run. (Credit: Dawn/Reuters)

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