Milano: In a moment that will redefine winter sports history in South America, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen clinched the giant slalom gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 on Saturday, becoming Brazil’s first-ever Winter Olympics medallist.
The 25-year-old alpine skier delivered a stunning performance at the Stelvio Ski Centre, clocking a combined time of 2:25.00 across two runs. His victory also marks the first time an athlete from South America has reached the podium at the Winter Games.
Braathen set the tone early, blazing through Run 1 in 1:13.92 — nearly a full second ahead of Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt. He maintained composure in the second run to seal the historic gold.
“I was skiing completely according to my intuition and my heart today, and that’s what enabled me to become an Olympic champ,” an emotional Braathen said after the race. “It had nothing to do with the medal or the history I could write. I just wanted to ski as the person I am.”
Two years ago, Braathen made the bold decision to switch allegiance from Norway to Brazil, the birth country of his mother — a move that has now delivered unprecedented success for the South American nation.
Swiss star Marco Odermatt finished with silver in 2:25.58, while compatriot Loïc Meillard claimed bronze in 2:26.17.
Though widely tipped for gold, Odermatt expressed satisfaction with his overall Olympic campaign, which saw him collect three medals. “I was here in every race, I could show my performance — not always 100 per cent but always 99 per cent. That’s an amazing achievement,” he said.
Meillard, who also secured silver in the team combined event alongside Odermatt, said he had no regrets about his run. “Feeling great, it was a great second run. I pushed, I did what I could,” he added.
Braathen’s triumph not only delivers Brazil its maiden Winter Olympic medal but also signals a new era for winter sports in a region traditionally distant from the snow-covered stage of the Games.
Source: Milano Cortina Olympics 2026
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