Bormio, Italy – Lucas Pinheiro Braathen etched his name into the history books Saturday, securing the first-ever Olympic medal for Brazil at the Winter Games. The 25-year-old skier triumphed in the men’s giant slalom, finishing with a time of 2:25.00 and stunning a field that included reigning Olympic champion Marco Odermatt. This historic win marks a significant milestone not only for Brazil but for all of South America in Winter Olympic competition.
Braathen’s victory is particularly remarkable given his recent switch in national allegiance. Born in Norway, he began competing for Brazil in 2024, representing the country of his mother. His performance in Italy was a culmination of strong form leading up to the Games, having achieved multiple podium finishes in giant slalom events in the weeks prior. The win underscores his potential as a dominant force in alpine skiing and delivers a landmark moment for Brazilian sport.
A Stunning Upset in the Giant Slalom
The giant slalom race saw a dramatic shift in the standings as competitors navigated the challenging course in Bormio. Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, the 2022 Olympic giant slalom champion, finished with a time of 2:25.58, securing the silver medal. Loic Meillard, also of Switzerland and the current slalom world champion, claimed the bronze with a time of 2:26.17. The competition was fierce, with several skiers vying for a spot on the podium, but Braathen’s consistent and powerful runs ultimately proved decisive.
Before Braathen’s winning run, Swiss skier Thomas Tumler briefly held the lead with a time of 2:26.45, surpassing Atle Lie McGrath’s earlier time of 2:26.82. Still, Braathen’s blistering pace quickly eclipsed these times, solidifying his position at the top. The final results showcased the high level of competition and the unpredictable nature of alpine skiing.
First South American Gold
Braathen’s gold medal is not just a victory for Brazil; it’s a historic achievement for the entire South American continent. Prior to this, no athlete from a South American nation had ever won a medal at the Winter Olympics. This breakthrough moment is expected to inspire a fresh generation of winter sports athletes across the region and could lead to increased investment in facilities and training programs. As NBC Olympics reported, Braathen entered the Games as a legitimate medal contender.
Mixed Results for Other Nations
While Brazil celebrated its historic win, other nations experienced a mix of success and disappointment. Germany’s Alexander Schmid finished 13th, with Anton Grammel close behind in 15th place. However, Fabian Gratz faced a heartbreaking conclude to his competition, falling out of contention after being 10th after the first run. Odermatt, despite missing out on gold, added to his medal count with a silver, following his silver in the team combination and bronze in the super-G. According to Tagesspiegel, Odermatt was seeking his first gold of these Games.
The Olympic Winter Games continue with events in skating and short track scheduled for later today. The women’s team pursuit in skating is set for 16:00, followed by the 500-meter skating event featuring Dutch athletes De Boo, Diniz, and Wennemars at 17:00. Skeleton heats with Kimberley Bos are also on the schedule, and the short track 1.500-meter finals will feature Itzhak de Laat, Jens van ‘t Wout, and Friso Emons at 20:15.
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen’s historic gold medal has undoubtedly energized the Winter Olympics and opened a new chapter in South American winter sports history. The coming days will reveal further stories of triumph and competition as athletes from around the globe continue to pursue their Olympic dreams.
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