Milano Cortina Day 8: Braathen makes history as alpine programme heats up at midpoint
Milano Cortina reached a dramatic halfway point with a flurry of standout performances across snow and ice. The headline moment came in the alpine slopes as Lucas Pinheiro Braathen produced a breakthrough that will resonate across Brazil and South America, while powerhouse nations consolidated their positions in the medals table. With 29 ski and snowboard podiums still to be decided, attention now turns to technical giant slalom races and the looming marquee events in the coming days.
Braathen breakthrough and alpine implications
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen’s result on Day 8 marked an historic milestone for athletes from Brazil and the wider South American region, signalling a widening of competitive depth in events traditionally dominated by Alpine and Nordic nations. The standout performance in the men's giant slalom sector intensified discussion about how the 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing field is evolving — where technical speed, precision and bold runs are producing unexpected podium challengers.
On the men’s side, established names remain threats. The defending giant slalom champion and multiple World Cup race winner continued to attract attention, while rivals sought to exploit any advantage on the Stelvio and Bormio tracks. The mix of veteran consistency and youthful audacity underscored how a single run can reshape expectations in this edition of the Games.
Games midpoint: medals, momentum and the schedule ahead
The Games officially reached their midpoint with 28 of the 57 ski and snowboard medals decided, leaving 29 podiums still in play across the second half. That balance of medals awarded and still to come keeps national campaigns fluid: countries with early success are reinforcing depth, while others still have opportunities to mount late surges.
Key events on the immediate schedule will test a variety of skills. The men's Giant Slalom in Bormio was a focal point today; that race was scheduled for 1: 30 PM CET, which is 7: 30 AM ET. The alpine calendar also includes crucial women's giant slalom runs and technical events that will shape the overall alpine standings and Olympic narratives.
Beyond alpine, the programme remained rich and varied: the Olympic debut of Women's Dual Moguls delivered high-flying drama and the Large Hill ski jumping in Predazzo offered heart-stopping distance and technique under pressure. Speed skating and curling continued to supply tense finishes and adjudication moments, reminding that momentum can swing fast across venues.
What to watch next in 2026 winter olympics alpine skiing
With the technical disciplines front and centre, eyes will be on the giant slalom specialists and all‑round alpine contenders as they chase Olympic hardware. A key name to follow is the reigning giant slalom champion, who returns with a string of World Cup victories and will be the pace-setter in upcoming runs. Another focal point is the American contender who has battled back from serious injury and recent surgery — her presence adds an emotional dimension to the women's giant slalom where she aims to regain top form.
For spectators and national teams alike, the coming sessions offer both immediate results and longer-term signals. Will traditional alpine powers convert depth into more podiums, or will surprise contenders from non-traditional winter nations continue to upset the order? The next block of races will begin early for East Coast audiences, with several alpine starts scheduled in the morning ET window as teams chase crucial second-half momentum.
The midpoint of Milano Cortina has delivered unexpected heroes and reaffirmed elite dominance in equal measure. As the Games move past day eight, the alpine slopes — and the broader winter sports programme — promise more tight margins, dramatic runs and potential historic breakthroughs.
