Brazil’s Pinheiro Braathen Claims Historic Alpine Skiing Gold
Bormio, Italy – In a stunning upset that captivated the world, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, born in Norway but competing for Brazil, has etched his name into Olympic history. He became the first South American to ever win a Winter Olympic medal in alpine skiing, securing gold in the men’s giant slalom. The emotional victory unfolded amidst falling snow and swirling fog, culminating in a tearful celebration as Braathen realized his dream.
A Message of Empowerment
Overcome with emotion, the 25-year-old Braathen delivered a powerful message of self-acceptance. “I just hope that Brazilians look at this and truly understand that your difference is your superpower,” he said, his voice choked with emotion. “It may show up in your skin or in the way you dress. But I hope this inspires every kid out there who feels a bit different to trust who you are.” This sentiment resonated deeply, highlighting the significance of his win beyond the sporting arena.
Dominating Performance and a Stunning First Run
Braathen’s helmet boldly proclaims “Vamos Dancar” – “Let’s Dance” – and he certainly lived up to the motto. His first run was nothing short of spectacular, establishing a commanding 0.95-second lead over Swiss legend Marco Odermatt. The performance was so dominant that only seven skiers remained within two seconds of his blistering pace. While his second run saw some minor setbacks, Braathen maintained his composure, ultimately winning gold by a margin of 0.58 seconds.
“It really was one hell of a first run and I was able to keep composed and balanced in the second run,” Braathen explained, collapsing in the snow after crossing the finish line before proudly raising his skis aloft. A heartfelt embrace with his father, Bjorn, followed, a moment of shared joy and pride.
An Unconventional Path to Olympic Glory
Braathen’s journey to the top has been anything but conventional. Born to a Brazilian mother and Norwegian father in Oslo, he began skiing at the age of eight, introduced to the sport by his father. Raised bilingual in Norwegian and Portuguese, he initially competed for Norway at the Beijing Games, failing to finish in either the giant slalom or slalom.
A pivotal moment came in 2023 when he severed ties with the Norwegian federation after winning the World Cup slalom title, citing a need for greater freedom and the ability to work with his own sponsors. This bold decision paved the way for his return to the slopes in 2024, representing Brazil – the birthplace of his mother, Alessandra, and a country where he spent formative years of his childhood.
Beyond the Slopes: A Rising Star
With a substantial social media following of 443,000 on Instagram, Braathen is a multifaceted athlete. He’s a regular attendee at fashion weeks in Paris and Milan and has even launched his own skincare product line. His influence extends far beyond the world of alpine skiing, making him a true icon for a new generation.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics
“It was the biggest stage I could put my foot on,” Braathen declared. “But I am built for this stage. As I said before these Games started, Brazil is not here to participate. We are going to bring a difference.” His victory sets a high bar for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo, where he is expected to be a strong contender. The 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing events will undoubtedly be ones to watch, with Braathen leading the charge for Brazil.
Marco Odermatt, the reigning Olympic champion, secured silver, while Swiss skier Loic Meillard claimed bronze.
Learn more about the 2026 Winter Olympics: https://olympics.com/en/olympic-winter-games/milano-cortina-2026
