Lucas Pinheiro Braathen wins unprecedented gold in the Olympic giant slalom in Bormio By Bruna
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Skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won the gold medal in the men’s giant slalom event at the Olimpíadas of Inverno of The victory occurred this Saturday, February 14, with a combined time of 2 minutes and 25 seconds on both descents. The 25-year-old athlete beat Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, previous Olympic champion, by 0.58 seconds, while Loic Meillard, also from Suíça, took bronze.
The race held on track Stelvio faced challenging conditions, with falling snow and dense fog during the second descent. Braathen maintained a consistent performance after leading among the top 30 in the first round and consolidated its lead in the final phase. Essa achievement represents Brasil’s first gold medal in Jogos Olímpicos’s
Brazilian fans filled Casa Brasil in Milão, wearing green and yellow and intensely celebrating the result. The athlete, known for his vibrant personality, celebrated by falling into the snow and screaming when he saw his finishing position confirmed.
- First Winter Olympic medal for Brasil and América of Sul;
- Combined time of 2min25s on both descents;
- Difference of 0.58s for second place Marco Odermatt.
Performance on track Stelvio
The Stelvio slope, in Bormio, is recognized for its technical demands and steep slopes that test skiers’ control. Braathen completed the first descent with a significant advantage, maintaining the lead despite worsening weather conditions in the second phase. The fresh snow and fog reduced visibility, but the Brazilian demonstrated precision in the curves and controlled speed.
Other competitors faced similar difficulties under the same conditions. Marco Odermatt, the initial favorite, was unable to make up for lost time in the final descent. Loic Meillard secured the Swiss podium with consistency throughout the race.
Trajectory until the change to Brasil
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen was born in Oslo, on Ele initially competed for Noruega and achieved impressive results at international levels before a temporary retirement in 2023. He returned to the track the following year, now representing Brasil, his mother’s country of origin.
The decision to change federation allowed him to bring accumulated experience to Brazilian alpine skiing. Antes of Jogos, Braathen had already recorded unprecedented achievements across the country, such as podiums and victories in stages of Copa of
Previous achievements on the world circuit
Braathen has accumulated victories in technical events from Copa to Mundo since returning to competition. Ele became the first Brazilian skier to reach the podium in events on the international calendar last year. Nesta season, achieved Brasil’s first victory in the world competition.
These results positioned the athlete as the country’s main medal hope in the Olimpíadas. Preparation included intense training on European tracks similar to Stelvio.
Race conditions and opponents
The second descent began with intense snow, affecting the pace of several competitors. Braathen, starting in a privileged position, managed the advantage of the first lap without any serious errors. Odermatt pressed, but did not overcome the established difference.
Athletes such as Norwegian Atle Lie McGrath finished off the podium, influenced by the changing conditions. The men’s giant slalom event brought together the main names in technical alpine skiing.
Reactions at Casa Brasil
Fans concentrated at Casa Brasil in Milão followed the skier’s every move. The place registered constant vibration during the final descent, with screams and applause as they crossed the finish line. Músicas festivities were played right after the result was confirmed.
Personalized signs and t-shirts showed support for the athlete. Familiares and fans highlighted the cultural connection with Brasil during the celebrations.
Skier’s signature style
Braathen stands out for incorporating Brazilian cultural elements into his presentation. The helmet features the inscription “Let’s go Dançar”, reflecting his lightweight approach to competition. Essa personality contributed to his popularity on the international circuit.
The athlete maintains routines that mix European technique with South American influences. The coincidence with the period from Carnaval to Brasil increased the victory celebrations.
Historical context for Brazilian skiing
Brasil has participated in Olimpíadas and Inverno since 1992, but had never won medals until this edition. Previous Atletas have competed in disciplines such as alpine skiing and cross-country without reaching the podium. The arrival of Braathen raised the technical level of the national delegation.
Investments in preparedness and infrastructure have aided recent development. The medal represents a milestone for countries with tropical climates in winter sports.
Alpine skiing requires constant adaptation to variations in terrain and climate. Braathen trained specifically for tracks like Stelvio, known for requiring a balance between speed and technical precision. The victory consolidates its position among the main names in the current sport. Outras technical tests still reserve competitions in the Jogos of Milão-Cortina.
Second descent details
Braathen faced the final course with total focus despite the reduced visibility. Ele maintained efficient lines through the doors and accelerated through the flat sections. The conservative strategy at the beginning of the descent allowed the final attack without excessive risks. Subsequent Competidores were unable to beat his recorded time.
Legacy of the Olympic conquest
The gold medal places Brasil on the world alpine skiing map. Braathen expressed satisfaction at representing his mother country at the Olympic level. The men’s giant slalom event attracted global attention due to the surprise final result. Outros skiers recognized the merit of the Brazilian performance.
