February 14, 2026, will be forever etched in the history of Brazilian sports. In a masterful display of technique and speed in Milano-Cortina, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won the gold medal in the Giant Slalom, becoming the first Brazilian and the first South American to ever reach the podium in the history of the Winter Olympics.
Dominance on the Slopes Braathen, competing under the Brazilian flag after a high-profile nationality transition that stunned the skiing world, left no room for his rivals.
- 1st Run: He was the only athlete to break the 1:14 mark, finishing at 1:13.92.
- Final Result: With a rock-solid second run, he finished with a total time of 2:25.00, beating the favorite, Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, by over half a second.
Breaking a 20-Year Record Until today, Brazil’s best Winter Games performance belonged to Isabel Clark, who secured 9th place in snowboard cross at Torino 2006. Lucas Pinheiro’s gold erases any doubt regarding Brazil’s potential in Alpine sports when elite talent is combined with national support.
The podium was completed by Swiss duo Marco Odermatt (Silver) and Loic Meillard (Bronze).
Analysis & Context
Takeaways:
- Unprecedented Feat: First medal (and first gold) for Brazil and South America in the Winter Games.
- Peak Performance: Absolute leadership from the first to the second run of the Giant Slalom.
- Next Challenge: Lucas returns to the slopes this Monday (Feb 16) for the Slalom event, with real chances of a double podium.
Key Facts:
- Athlete: Lucas Pinheiro Braathen.
- Event: Alpine Skiing (Giant Slalom).
- Total Time: 2:25.00.
- Location: Milano-Cortina 2026.
