Brazilian Skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen Makes History at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
Bormio, Italy – February 14, 2026 – Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil has achieved a monumental feat, winning the gold medal in the men’s giant slalom at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This victory marks the first-ever Winter Olympics medal for South America and the first for any athlete representing a tropical nation AP News.
A Historic Victory
Braathen’s powerful final run secured his place at the top of the podium, finishing ahead of Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt and Loic Meillard CNN. The win is particularly significant as Braathen only began competing for Brazil in 2024, after previously representing Norway Wikipedia.
From Norway to Brazil: A Shared Journey with Christian Borgnæs
The story of Braathen’s success is intertwined with that of Danish skier Christian Borgnæs, who too changed national allegiances in pursuit of greater support and freedom within their respective skiing associations. Both athletes first connected during their time in the European Cup in 2018, competing for Norway and Austria respectively Dagbladet.
Challenges and Support
Although both skiers sought more autonomy, their circumstances differ significantly. Braathen benefits from a robust support system, including sponsors and a dedicated team managed with his father, Bjørn. Borgnæs, largely self-funds his career, budgeting approximately 120,000 euros (1.35 million Norwegian kroner) annually for training, travel, and coaching Dagbladet. The Danish Ski Association provides limited financial assistance.
Denmark’s Best Result
Borgnæs also achieved a historic result for Denmark, finishing 20th in the giant slalom – the nation’s best-ever alpine skiing result at the Olympics Dagbladet. This accomplishment has generated significant interest in Danish skiing and aims to inspire a new generation of athletes.
Team USA and Other Highlights
The Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have also seen success for Team USA. The American hockey team defeated Denmark 6-3, and Jordan Stolz won his second gold medal in the 500m speed skating event, setting an Olympic record CNN. But, Ilia Malinin of the USA faced disappointment in the men’s figure skating final, finishing eighth after two falls CNN.
Looking Ahead
As the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue, the spotlight remains on athletes like Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who are not only achieving personal success but also breaking barriers and inspiring a global audience. The men’s slalom is scheduled for Monday, February 16th, with the first round at 10:00 AM and the second round at 1:30 PM Dagbladet.