Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil won gold in the men’s giant slalom race on Saturday in Italy, earning the first medal by a South American athlete at a Winter Games. | Getty Images
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen has won gold, becoming the first athlete to secure a major Alpine skiing title for Brazil and marking a significant moment for the country in winter sports.
Braathen finished first after two strong runs on a technical course that challenged even the most experienced skiers. His combined time placed him ahead of a field largely made up of European athletes who have traditionally dominated the sport.
The result is historic for Brazil, a country better known for football and athletics than snow events. No Brazilian skier had previously reached this level in Alpine competition. Braathen’s victory now places Brazil on the medal table in a discipline where it has had little presence.
Born in Norway to a Brazilian mother, Braathen previously competed for Norway. He stepped away from the sport in 2023 following disagreements with the Norwegian federation, then returned under the Brazilian flag. His decision drew attention across the skiing world, as he had already established himself as one of the sport’s top young talents.
This gold medal is his first major title representing Brazil. It also confirms that his switch was not symbolic but competitive. He handled the pressure calmly, keeping his lines tight and his turns controlled, especially in the final section of the course where several rivals lost time.
Brazilian officials and fans have welcomed the result as a turning point. Winter sports remain small in the country, with limited funding and infrastructure. Most Brazilian athletes in snow disciplines train abroad. Braathen himself developed in Norway’s system before choosing to represent his mother’s homeland.
His win may increase interest in winter programs in Brazil, particularly among young athletes with dual nationality or access to training overseas. For now, however, the focus remains on the result itself: a gold medal in one of Alpine skiing’s most competitive events.
After the race, Braathen spoke briefly to broadcasters and said he felt calm before the start and focused only on his performance. He did not frame the moment as political or emotional, instead calling it “a good race” and thanking his team.
The medal ceremony took place shortly after the final standings were confirmed, with the Brazilian flag raised during the national anthem as Braathen stood at the top of the podium.
