Brazilian skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen secured South America’s first Winter Games medal by triumphing in the Olympic giant slalom on Saturday. The 25-year-old remained composed in challenging weather conditions, navigating the Stelvio course to claim victory. With a combined time of two minutes and 25 seconds, he outpaced defending champion Marco Odermatt from Switzerland by 0.58 seconds, with Odermatt’s teammate Loic Meillard clinching the bronze.
Known for his vibrant personality and love for dancing, Pinheiro Braathen sported the motto “Vamos Dancar” (“Let’s Dance”) on his helmet. His dual heritage—Brazilian mother and Norwegian father—led him to switch allegiances from Norway to Brazil, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes. Achieving significant milestones for Brazil, such as a World Cup podium finish and a World Cup victory, he now adds the title of the first Brazilian Olympic gold medalist in Alpine skiing to his list of accomplishments.
In a jubilant atmosphere at the Milano Cortina Olympics, Braathen’s fans, adorned in green and yellow, passionately supported him at “Casa Brasil.” The Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, praised the historic achievement, emphasizing the resilience and dedication of Brazilian sport. Meanwhile, Odermatt continued his successful run at the Games, securing multiple medals, including silver in the team event and bronze in the super-G.
The event also saw a touching tribute from Norwegian skier Atle Lie McGrath, who honored his late grandfather by wearing a black armband during the competition. As the Games progress, the athletes’ performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship and determination on the grand stage.