Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, a 25-year-old Brazilian skier born to Norwegian parents, secured Brazil’s first-ever gold medal in alpine skiing at the Winter Olympics. Despite challenging weather conditions with snow and fog blanketing the Stelvio course, Pinheiro Braathen maintained his composure during the Olympic giant slalom.
Competing against seasoned athletes such as defending champion Marco Odermatt from Switzerland, Pinheiro Braathen demonstrated exceptional control and skill on his final run. He completed his two-run competition in a time of 2 minutes and 25 seconds, narrowly edging out Odermatt by just under a second.
His victory marked more than just Brazil’s first medal; it also celebrated the country’s cultural diversity as Pinheiro Braathen wore “Vamos Dancar” (“Let’s Dance”) written large on his helmet. This phrase encapsulated his vibrant personality and commitment to Brazilian culture, which he had fully embraced since retiring from Norway in October 2023.
Pinheiro Braathen’s journey with Brazil has been remarkable; earlier this year, he broke a new record as the first alpine racer from Brazil to reach a World Cup podium. This gold medal serves as the capstone of his return and continues to pave the way for Brazilian athletes in the sport.
The next day, another athlete representing Brazil would have an opportunity to add more glory to their nation’s roster: Nicole Rocha Silveira, born on the country’s southernmost tip but raised in Canada. At 9 years old, she relocated with her family, yet her passion for skeleton skiing led her to compete internationally.
Silveira, ranked ninth globally in women’s skeleton and a formidable contender for her event at this year’s Winter Olympics, was also part of Brazil’s Olympic opening ceremony delegation. In these moments, the nation unites around its athletes as they carry the flag with pride towards their historic victory on the global stage.
Both Pinheiro Braathen and Silveira exemplify Brazil’s growing presence in winter sports and serve as a beacon for future generations aspiring to achieve international success.