Alpine skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won gold in the men's giant slalom at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Bormio, Italy, marking the first Winter Games medal for any South American nation. The 25-year-old's victory on February 14, 2026, coincided with the start of Carnival in Brazil, sparking widespread celebrations. This achievement highlights Brazil's growing presence in winter sports despite the country's tropical climate.
On February 14, 2026, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen claimed the gold medal in the men's giant slalom event at the Winter Olympics in Bormio, Italy. This triumph represents Brazil's inaugural medal in the Winter Games and the first for any South American country. Braathen, aged 25 and nicknamed “O cara do ski” in Brazil, had competed for Norway until 2023 before switching allegiance last season and adopting his mother’s surname.
The win occurred on the first full day of Carnival, Brazil's pre-Lenten festival, briefly overshadowing the festivities on major news sites. In Milan, hundreds of fans gathered at Brazil House, organized by the Olympic committee, where they toasted with beer, sang chants featuring Braathen's name, and formed a conga line with the team mascot Ginga. Brazilian chef Raphael Rego served traditional cheese bread, joining in samba dances alongside Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist swimmer Bruno Fratus.
Radio host Thiago Varella, 41, from Campinas, described the feat as entering his "top five Brazil gold medals in Olympic history," emphasizing Braathen's enduring appeal. Aline Fialho from Recife expressed pride, noting the rarity of such success in snow sports for a nation without snow: “We’re used to this feeling a lot in (soccer), sometimes in volleyball, but, you know, it’s a winter sport, it’s a snow sport... I feel very proud.”
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva praised the result on social media: “This unprecedented result shows Brazilian sport has no limits. It is the reflection of talent, dedication and continuous work to strengthen sport in every dimension.”
In Rio de Janeiro, reactions ranged from curiosity to celebration. Driver Alexandre Novais, 35, supported the skier despite his soccer fandom: “I’m more of a soccer fan, but anyone who chooses to be Brazilian deserves our support.” Colombian visitor Nathalia Martínez, 25, felt a shared Latin American pride watching Braathen emote on the podium.
Braathen, who started in soccer and idolized Ronaldinho, decorated his helmet with “Vamos Dançar” and spoke in Portuguese during interviews. Post-victory, he told Globo: “This can be a point of inspiration for the next generation of children, showing them that nothing is impossible... I bring Brazilian strength today to bring this flag to the podium. This is Brazil’s.”
The success aligns with Brazil's recent global accolades, including Oscar wins for films like “I’m Still Here” and nominations for “The Secret Agent,” challenging perceptions of the nation's cultural reach beyond soccer and samba.
