Brazil Wins Its First-Ever Winter Olympic Gold

The Brazilian national team has written its name into the history of winter sports. At the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen brought the country its first-ever medal at the Winter Games — and it was gold right away.

The Brazilian alpine skier claimed victory in the giant slalom with a combined time of 2:25.00. He managed to beat the world leader and main favorite of the competition, Marco Odermatt, who finished second (2:25.58). The bronze medal went to another Swiss skier, Loïc Meillard (2:26.17).

A Dramatic Finale

Before the decisive run, Braathen held a solid advantage — 0.95 seconds after the first course. During the second run, he lost part of his lead and made a small mistake in the third sector, which reduced his advantage to half a second. However, that proved to be enough — the Brazilian maintained his lead and effectively secured the Olympic gold.

Although dozens of athletes started after the favorites, their chances of surpassing the leaders’ results were minimal.

Giant Slalom Results:

1. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (Brazil)

2. Marco Odermatt (Switzerland)

3. Loïc Meillard (Switzerland)

Armenian alpine skier Harutyun Harutyunyan finished in 63rd place.

A Historic Moment for Brazil

Braathen’s victory marks Brazil’s first medal in the history of the Winter Olympic Games — and it is gold. Before this, the South American nation had never reached the podium at the Winter Games.

Norwegian Roots — Brazilian Flag

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen was born in Norway to a Norwegian father and a Brazilian mother. Until 2023, he represented Norway, but later decided to compete for Brazil — the historic homeland of his mother. Just a few years later, that decision brought the country Olympic gold.

Now Lucas Pinheiro Braathen’s name is forever written into the history of world sport as the man who opened a new era of winter achievements for Brazil.