Brazil’s Braathen Makes History with Giant Slalom Gold at 2026 Winter Olympics
Feb. 14, 2026 (ET) — Lucas Pinheiro Braathen captured a landmark victory in the men's giant slalom, delivering the first Winter Olympic gold medal ever for Brazil and for Latin America. The Norwegian-born athlete, who raced under the Brazilian flag after changing nationality in October 2024, said the move was a decisive factor in his Olympic success.
A historic leap: from Norway to Brazil and Olympic gold
Born and raised in Norway, Braathen cited a rift with his former national federation as the driver for his departure from the World Cup circuit in the 2023–24 season. He returned to competition last October representing Brazil, the country of his mother's birth. The decision paid immediate dividends on the Olympic slopes: Braathen produced an authoritative performance across two runs to claim gold with a combined time of 2: 25. 00.
Standing on the podium wrapped in a Brazil flag, Braathen described the moment as both surreal and unmistakable. He said the nationality change was a "major change" that he viewed as absolutely necessary, and that hearing Brazil’s anthem in the mountains filled him with immense pride. He also expressed hope that his result will encourage people in Brazil and across Latin America to pursue their sporting ambitions, urging others to "become the person you can be. "
Race dynamics and podium finishers
Braathen laid the groundwork for victory with an outstanding first run that left only one rival within a second on the leaderboard. Marco Odermatt of Switzerland, a perennial alpine contender, produced a strong chase but finished 0. 95 seconds behind Braathen to take silver. Odermatt added the silver to a bronze earlier in the Games and nearly medaled in the downhill, closing a notable Olympic program for himself.
The bronze medal went to Swiss teammate Loic Meillard, who teamed with Odermatt to help secure a silver in the newly introduced mixed team event. Meillard handled the technical slalom legs in that team competition while Odermatt contributed on speed runs, highlighting Switzerland's depth across alpine disciplines at these Games.
Race officials and coaches noted that Braathen’s first run effectively determined the outcome. With a sizeable lead, the Norwegian-born Brazilian skiier was able to ski the second run with controlled aggression, avoiding the mistakes that often undo a frontrunner under Olympic pressure.
Broader significance for winter sport in Latin America
Beyond the personal milestone for Braathen, the victory marks a watershed moment for winter sports in a region typically underrepresented on snow and ice. Brazil’s first Winter Olympic gold will likely prompt renewed interest in alpine skiing programs across Latin America and among the Brazilian diaspora in colder-climate nations.
Braathen framed his success as both a personal vindication and an invitation. By switching allegiances and embracing his maternal heritage, he said he hoped to inspire athletes who do not see traditional winter-sport pathways as closed to them. The optics of a Latin American flag raised on an alpine podium in 2026 underscores the increasing globalization of winter sport talent and the shifting narratives around which nations can achieve on the world stage.
As the Games continue, Braathen’s win will be studied by coaches, federations and young athletes looking for new models of how talent is developed and represented in elite winter competition.
