Lucas Pinheiro Braathen Makes History, Delivers South America’s First Winter Olympic Gold
On February 14, 2026 (10: 06 AM ET), Lucas Pinheiro Braathen produced a calm, powerful run on a foggy Stelvio course to capture Olympic gold in the men’s giant slalom, becoming the first athlete representing a South American nation to win a medal at the Winter Games. The Norwegian-born 25-year-old finished with a two-run combined time of 2 minutes, 25 seconds to edge defending champion Marco Odermatt by 0. 58 seconds, with Loic Meillard taking bronze.
Historic milestone for South America
Braathen’s victory ends a 102-year Winter Olympic medal drought for South America, a milestone that instantly reshapes the region’s relationship with winter sport. After landing his decisive second run and learning he was in first place, Braathen dropped to the snow and screamed in disbelief — an image that captured the emotion of a breakthrough few expected so soon.
Standing on the top step, Braathen framed the result as more than a personal achievement. “I hope the win will inspire some kids out there that, despite what they wear, despite how they look, despite where they come from, they can follow their own dreams and be who they really are. Because that is the real source of happiness in life, ” he said. In a separate moment of raw astonishment he added, “I’m not even able to grasp reality, as I stand here right now. I am just trying to get some sort of emotion here and translate it into words, even though it’s absolutely impossible. ”
The reaction in Brazil and across South America was immediate and celebratory; national leaders and fans hailed the result as evidence that winter sport ambitions in the region are now tangible. For a continent better known for summer sport dominance, the victory is a potential catalyst for investment, participation and visibility in alpine skiing and related disciplines.
From Oslo beginnings to a bold national switch
Braathen’s path to gold is unusually international. He grew up in Oslo to a Norwegian father and a Brazilian mother and raced for Norway early in his career. At 23 he stepped away from competition, only to return after a restorative trip to Brazil that convinced him to resume racing under his mother’s flag. The decision has already produced a string of firsts for his adopted program: the first Brazilian to reach a World Cup podium, the country’s first World Cup victory this season, and now the first Olympic gold.
Known for his infectious personality and samba-inflected celebrations — the phrase "Vamos Dancar" is painted on the back of his helmet — Braathen brought both technical precision and showmanship to the course. He navigated heavy snow and shifting visibility on the technical Stelvio track with composure, executing lines that left peers momentarily stunned and the scoreboard firmly in his favor.
Finishing ahead of a stacked field that included the reigning champion was no small feat. Odermatt, a benchmark for consistency and speed in men’s alpine skiing, was pushed to second, while Meillard secured the final podium spot. The result underscores how Braathen’s return to the sport and switch of allegiance has altered competitive dynamics in alpine racing.
What comes next
Beyond the immediate celebration, Braathen’s triumph raises questions about long-term impact: will national programs in South America seize the moment to create training pathways, facilities or talent identification efforts for winter sports? For Braathen himself, the gold both validates a personal gamble and places him at the center of a new narrative — one that could inspire young athletes across climates and continents to pursue winter dreams.
For now, Braathen savors the victory, the historic marker it represents and the hope it plants for future generations who may no longer see winter sport success as geographically out of reach.
