Bormio, Italy – – Lucas Pinheiro Braathen has etched his name into the history books, securing Brazil’s first-ever medal at a Winter Olympics with a stunning victory in the men’s giant slalom at the Milano Cortina Games. The win, achieved at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, also marks the first time a South American athlete has reached the podium in an Olympic winter event.
Braathen’s triumph is a landmark moment not just for Brazilian winter sports, but for the entire continent of South America, which has long been underrepresented on the global stage of snow and ice competitions. He finished with a combined time of , achieved through runs of and .
The victory was particularly poignant given Braathen’s unique sporting journey. Born in Norway to a Brazilian mother and a Norwegian father, he previously represented Norway at the Beijing Olympics. He subsequently switched his sporting nationality ahead of the season, choosing to compete under the Brazilian flag.
His decision to represent Brazil reflects a growing trend of athletes choosing to compete for nations with which they have familial or cultural ties, even if they were initially developed within the sporting systems of other countries. This phenomenon often stems from a desire to represent heritage, fill competitive gaps in smaller sporting nations, or pursue opportunities not available elsewhere.
Braathen entered the Games as a strong contender, having achieved three consecutive World Cup giant slalom runner-up finishes prior to the Olympics. This consistent performance signaled his potential for a podium finish, a prediction he emphatically fulfilled in Bormio. The win underscores the increasing competitiveness of South American athletes in traditionally European-dominated winter sports.
The impact of Braathen’s victory extends beyond the sporting arena. He served as a flag bearer during the Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina Games, symbolizing Brazil’s growing commitment to winter sports and its aspirations on the international stage. The scenes of celebration at the Brazil House in Milan, as supporters watched his second run, highlight the national pride surrounding his achievement.
Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt secured the silver medal, finishing second to Braathen, while his compatriot, Loic Meillard, took the bronze. The Swiss duo, both established stars in the world of alpine skiing, provided formidable competition, but ultimately could not match Braathen’s performance on the day.
Brazil’s delegation in Italy comprises athletes, representing a modest but growing presence at the Winter Olympics. Braathen’s gold medal is expected to inspire further investment in winter sports infrastructure and athlete development within Brazil, potentially leading to increased participation and success in future Games.
The significance of this win is amplified by the historical context. South America has traditionally faced challenges in competing in winter sports due to a lack of natural snow and ice, limited infrastructure, and relatively small populations in colder regions. Braathen’s success demonstrates that these obstacles can be overcome with dedication, strategic investment, and the right support systems.
The victory also carries symbolic weight, challenging perceptions about which nations can excel in winter sports. It opens doors for other South American athletes and encourages greater inclusivity within the Olympic movement. The achievement is likely to resonate across the continent, inspiring a new generation of winter sports enthusiasts.
As one of the first South American athletes to achieve Olympic success in a winter sport, Braathen’s legacy is already assured. His gold medal is not merely a personal triumph, but a watershed moment for Brazil and the entire South American continent, signaling a new era of possibility in the world of winter sports.
