Saturday was a monumental day for Lucas Pinheiro Braaten.
The 25-year-old Brazilian alpine skier made history by clinching the gold medal in the men’s giant slalom, outperforming Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt.
This win is particularly significant as it’s the first Winter Olympic medal for a South American athlete.
Piñeiro Braaten raced down the slope, maintaining a strong pace and crossing the finish line 0.58 seconds ahead of Odermatt, with a time of 2:25.58. When he realized he had won, he was so overwhelmed that he collapsed in sheer emotion at the finish.
“I wanted to share this moment with everyone in Brazil who has been watching and supporting me,” Pinheiro Braaten said during an interview. “This can inspire the next generation to understand that nothing is impossible, no matter where you start from. It’s all about what’s inside you. Today, I represent Brazil with pride.”
Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard took home the bronze medal, completing the podium.
Though not in Milan, Pinheiro Braaten celebrated joyfully with family and friends. After completing his run, he found a video screen showing his loved ones cheering for him, prompting him to leap and kiss the camera in excitement.
The celebrations continued during the medal ceremony, where the samba-loving skier wore a “vamos dhankar” message on his helmet, meaning “let’s dance.”
When he secured his gold medal, he raised his fist in triumph, creating one of the most iconic moments of the Milan-Cortina Games.
As the Brazilian anthem played and the flag was raised, he closed his eyes, clearly moved by the moment. It was a fitting celebration, coinciding with Brazil’s Carnival season, when festivities abound.
2026 Winter Olympics
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also shared his excitement about the country’s first Winter Olympic medal on social media.
“This incredible achievement shows that Brazilian athletes can reach great heights. It reflects dedication and an ongoing commitment to enhancing sports at all levels,” he remarked. “Congratulations to Lucas Pinheiro and everyone involved in this landmark success that will motivate future generations and broaden the horizons of Brazilian sports.”
Achieving first place is something Pinheiro Braaten is becoming accustomed to. Last season, he was the first Brazilian alpine racer to reach the podium at the World Cup, marking a significant milestone for the country.
“I kept pushing, searching for the right rhythm,” he shared. “I skied with all my heart. With that kind of passion, anything is possible. The key for me is to remain true to myself—I’m a Brazilian skier who is now an Olympic champion.”
