BORMIO, Italy – On Saturday, 14 February 2026, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen moved within touching distance of making sporting history for South America. During the men’s giant slalom at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the Brazilian representative delivered a masterclass on the Stelvio course, finishing his first run with a massive lead that puts him in pole position for Brazil’s first-ever Winter Games medal.
Olympic Breakthrough in Bormio
Starting as the first skier on the course, Pinheiro Braathen took full advantage of the pristine surface conditions. He clocked a blistering time of 1 minute, 13.92 seconds, outclassing the field by nearly a full second. The performance has reshaped the expectations for the event, as the 25-year-old looks to secure a gold medal that would be the first for any South American nation in the history of the Winter Olympics.
The atmosphere in Bormio was electric as the “Brazilian Rebel” showcased the technical precision that previously earned him a Slalom Crystal Globe while competing for Norway. His transition to representing his mother’s home country of Brazil has been one of the most talked-about storylines of the 2025/26 season.
Career Profile: Lucas Pinheiro Braathen
Born to a Norwegian father and a Brazilian mother, Pinheiro Braathen has become one of alpine skiing’s most vibrant personalities. Known for his interest in fashion and his “creative-self” approach to the sport, he shocked the skiing world with a brief retirement in 2023 before returning under the Brazilian flag.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lucas Pinheiro Braathen |
| Nationality | Brazilian (formerly Norwegian) |
| Specialities | Slalom, Giant Slalom |
| Major Achievement | 2023 World Cup Slalom Crystal Globe (Norway) |
| Historic Milestone | First Brazilian to win an Alpine World Cup race (Levi, 2025) |
| Current Status | Leading Olympic Giant Slalom (Run 1) |
A Season of “Samba on Snow”
The 2025/26 season has been a “ski revolution” for Brazil. In November 2025, Pinheiro Braathen claimed a historic World Cup victory in Levi, Finland, marking the first time the Brazilian flag was raised at the top of an Alpine podium. Throughout the current season, he has maintained elite form, securing four World Cup silver medals leading up to the Milano Cortina Games.
Beyond his results, Pinheiro Braathen is celebrated for bringing diversity to a traditionally European-dominated sport. He has often cited Italian legend Alberto Tomba as an inspiration, aiming to bring a similar level of showmanship and excitement to the slopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Lucas Pinheiro Braathen switch from Norway to Brazil?
After a dispute with the Norwegian Ski Federation regarding athlete image rights and personal sponsorships, Pinheiro Braathen retired in late 2023. He returned to competition five months later, choosing to represent Brazil—his mother’s homeland—to gain more creative freedom and to grow the sport in South America.
Has Brazil ever won a Winter Olympic medal?
As of the morning of 14 February 2026, Brazil has never won a medal at the Winter Olympics. Pinheiro Braathen in alpine skiing and Nicole Rocha Silveira in skeleton are the nation’s primary hopes to break this streak during the Milano Cortina Games.
What time is the second run of the Olympic Giant Slalom?
Following his dominant first run on Saturday morning, Pinheiro Braathen will compete in the second and final run later today. The combined times of both runs will determine the final medal standings.