Lucas Pinheiro Braathen: Brazil Makes History with Olympic Gold in Alpine Skiing

Brazil Makes History at the Winter Olympics with Lucas Pinheiro Braathen

Sölda, Italy – The world of sports witnessed a historic moment this Saturday thanks to the brilliant performance of Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who was crowned Olympic champion in the giant slalom alpine skiing discipline during the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. The competition took place on the challenging Stelvio track in Bormio, where the 25-year-old skier demonstrated his dominance from the first run. Pinheiro recorded a total time of 2:25.00 minutes, surpassing Swiss Marco Odermatt, the current champion who failed to retain his title, by 58 hundredths of a second. Third place and the bronze medal went to Loic Meillard, also from Switzerland, 1.17 seconds behind the winner.

A Triumph Loaded with Emotion

I don’t know what to say. I have so many emotions right now that I can’t find a way to express them

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen

Visibly moved upon crossing the finish line, Pinheiro struggled to find the words to describe this achievement. The new Olympic champion dedicated his victory to his family, his team, and the entire Brazilian people.

I am very proud and very grateful. Thanks to everyone, we have made history

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen

From Norway to Brazil: A Story of Reinvention

Born in Oslo, Pinheiro initially competed as Lucas Braathen, representing Norway, where he achieved five World Cup victories. However, after disagreements with the Norwegian federation, he unexpectedly announced his retirement in 2023, shortly after winning the slalom Crystal Globe. In March 2024, he decided to return to competition, this time defending the colors of Brazil, his mother’s nation. That same year, he began to set milestones for his new country: he achieved his first podium in Beaver Creek and, in November, he achieved the first Brazilian victory in the World Cup by winning the slalom in Levi. Now, in Milan-Cortina 2026, he reached the top by giving Brazil its first gold in a Winter Olympics, consolidating the most important victory of his sporting career. On Monday, again in Bormio, Pinheiro will have the opportunity to expand his legend when he competes in the slalom event, where he will seek to add another medal for the Brazilian delegation.