brazil's lucas pinheiro braathen claims historic giant slalom gold
Milaan, zaterdag, 14 februari 2026.
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen made history on February 14, 2026, winning Brazil’s first Winter Olympic gold in the men’s giant slalom. His victory marks the first Winter Games medal ever for South America. Born in Oslo to a Brazilian mother and Norwegian father, Braathen switched allegiances to represent Brazil in 2024. He dominated the first run with a 0.95-second lead amid fog and snow on the Stelvio course. Though challenged in the second run, he secured gold with a 0.58-second advantage. Once a World Cup winner for Norway, he stepped away in 2023, seeking greater personal freedom. Returning under Brazil’s flag, he fulfilled a lifelong dream. “I just hope Brazilians see that your difference is your superpower,” he said. A flamboyant figure known for samba celebrations and painted nails, Braathen stands as a symbol of identity, courage and belief. His journey—from 21 childhood moves to Olympic champion—proves boundaries exist only until someone dares to cross them.
brazil’s lucas pinheiro braathen claims historic giant slalom gold
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen made history on February 14, 2026, winning Brazil’s first Winter Olympic gold in the men’s giant slalom [1]. His victory marks the first Winter Games medal ever for South America [2]. Born in Oslo to a Brazilian mother and Norwegian father, Braathen switched allegiances to represent Brazil in 2024 [3]. He dominated the first run with a 0.95-second lead amid fog and snow on the Stelvio course [4]. Though challenged in the second run, he secured gold with a 0.58-second advantage [5].
from norway to brazil: a dual heritage realized
Once a World Cup winner for Norway, Braathen stepped away in 2023, seeking greater personal freedom [6]. He had previously won five World Cup events under Norway’s flag [7]. After retiring, he returned in March 2024 to compete for Brazil, honoring his mother’s nationality [8]. “I’m a person of cultural duality,” Braathen stated, reflecting on his mixed heritage [9]. Representing Brazil allowed him to embrace self-expression, something he felt restricted from under the Norwegian federation [10].
triumph on the stelvio slope
The men’s giant slalom took place on the demanding Stelvio course in Bormio, Italy, under heavy snowfall and reduced visibility [11]. Braathen posted the fastest time in the first run, leading defending champion Marco Odermatt by 0.95 seconds—the largest opening-run lead in Olympic giant slalom since 1988 [12]. His combined two-run time totaled 2:25.00 [13]. Despite pressure in the second run, he maintained composure to finish 0.58 seconds ahead of Odermatt, who took silver [14]. Loic Meillard of Switzerland earned bronze, 1.17 seconds behind [15].
symbolism beyond the podium
Known for painting his fingernails and dancing samba in celebration, Braathen embraces flair uncommon in alpine skiing [16]. His helmet bore the phrase “Vamos Dancar” (“Let’s Dance”), coinciding with Brazil’s Carnival season [17]. “I just hope that Brazilians look at this and truly understand that your difference is your superpower,” he said post-victory [18]. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva hailed the achievement as proof that Brazilian sport knows no limits [19]. The win sparked nationwide celebrations in Brazil [20].
a legacy forged through movement and resilience
Braathen’s path to Olympic glory included instability in youth—he relocated 21 times before turning 22 [21]. Raised primarily by his Norwegian father, he initially resisted skiing, preferring football [22]. At age eight, he discovered a love for speed on snow and shifted focus [23]. After stepping back from elite competition in 2023, he relaunched his career under Brazil’s banner [24]. “Not others’ dream, my dream,” he declared upon winning gold [25]. His triumph underscores how personal authenticity can meet historic success.