Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen Wins Historic Olympic Gold in Giant Slalom

Bormio, Italy – Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil has made history, winning the gold medal in the men’s giant slalom at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Bormio. His victory marks the first Winter Olympic gold medal for a South American athlete in any sport.

Pinheiro Braathen dominated the competition, finishing with a combined time of 2:25.00. He established a significant lead in the first run, nearly a full second ahead of his nearest competitor, Marco Odermatt of Switzerland. According to NBC broadcaster Dan Hicks, the margin between first and second place in Run 1 was the largest in an Olympic men’s giant slalom since 1988.

Odermatt secured his second silver medal of the Milan Cortina Games, finishing with a time of 2:25.58. His fellow countryman, Loic Meillard, took the bronze medal with a time of 2:26.17.

Despite not securing the gold, Odermatt expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, “If you’re not satisfied with three medals, then you have a problem. Of course it would have been nice to have a gold medal, but I have one at home, and that’s why this is now a nice collection.” NBC Olympics

Pinheiro Braathen’s win is a landmark achievement for Brazilian winter sports and for South American representation at the Olympic Games. NBC Sports and #MilanoCortina2026 highlighted the historic nature of his victory. ESPN also reported on the event.