Brazil Wins First Winter Olympics Gold: Lucas Braathen’s Historic Slalom Victory

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen secured Brazil’s first Winter Olympics gold medal on Saturday, winning the giant slalom event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games held at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Italy. The 25-year-aged finished with a total time of 2 minutes and 25 seconds, besting Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt by 0.58 seconds.

Braathen’s victory marks a historic milestone, not only for Brazil but for all of South America, as he became the first athlete from the continent to win a medal at the Winter Olympics. Loïc Meillard of Switzerland took the bronze.

The Brazilian athlete had established a commanding lead after the first descent, a time that no other competitor managed to surpass. He then navigated the second run, finishing 11th in that round, but maintaining a sufficient margin to secure the gold.

Born in Oslo, Norway, to a Brazilian mother and a Norwegian father, Braathen previously competed for Norway, including at the 2022 Winter Olympics, but without reaching the podium. He announced his retirement from the sport in 2023 following disagreements with the Norwegian Ski Federation. He subsequently reversed his decision and, in 2024, switched his national allegiance to Brazil to honor his mother’s heritage.

“Hearing the Brazilian national anthem was a very proud moment,” Braathen said at a press conference following the race. “Growing up, I always watched Brazil’s football team triumph, and to now be able to contribute to the country’s sporting success in this way is incredible.”

Prior to his Olympic triumph, Braathen had already achieved significant success on the world stage, winning a gold medal in slalom at the 2023 World Cup and accumulating five medals – one gold and four silver – at World Championships since 2025. He currently ranks as the vice-leader in both slalom and giant slalom rankings.

Braathen is scheduled to compete again on Monday in the slalom event, offering him another opportunity to add to Brazil’s medal count at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.