Lucas Pinheiro Braathen: Brazil’s Olympic Giant Slalom Champion Visits Brasília

Brasília, Brazil – Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, Brazil’s historic Olympic gold medalist in alpine skiing, arrived in Brasília on Thursday, February 26, 2026, twelve days after his triumphant win in the giant slalom at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. This marks his first visit to Brazil following his groundbreaking achievement.

A Hero’s Welcome and Presidential Meeting

Braathen, accompanied by his girlfriend, actress Isadora Cruz, Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) President Marco Antonio La Porta, and representatives from the Brazilian Confederation of Snow Sports (CBDN), was greeted with enthusiastic recognition from fans in both Brasília and Rio de Janeiro. He was met with requests for photos and expressed excitement for his first visit to the nation’s capital.

The primary purpose of his visit is a scheduled meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Palácio do Planalto. Braathen will present the President with the gold medal he won on February 14, 2026, in Italy.

Limited Time for Sightseeing, Focus on Competition

Despite his eagerness to experience Brasília, Braathen’s schedule is packed. “I don’t think it’s going to be possible to go sightseeing, I don’t have much time these days,” he stated. “I’m between a lot of commitments, but there’s a lot of good stuff. We’re going back to the World Cup soon, we’re going to enjoy it and compete again.”

A Historic Victory and Future Aspirations

Braathen’s gold medal victory in Milan-Cortina was a watershed moment, representing the first Winter Olympic medal for Brazil and the first for any South American nation. He received a prize of R$350,000 (approximately $68,700 USD as of February 27, 2026) for his achievement. He hopes his success will inspire greater interest and development in snow sports within Brazil.

“I perceive like I’m starting a movement to pay attention and bring interest to a new sport. This is extremely good, it opens doors,” Braathen said upon his arrival in Brasília.

From Norway to Brazil: A New Chapter

Born in Norway to a Brazilian mother, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, 25, transitioned to representing Brazil after competing for Norway until 2023. He has already achieved ten podium finishes in World Cup events, including a slalom victory in Levi, Finland, in November 2025. He was also the flag bearer for Brazil at the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Games.

Braathen embraces Brazilian culture, incorporating Brazilian music, including artists like Jorge Ben Jor and João Gilberto, into his training playlist. He is also a fan of São Paulo Futebol Clube.

Looking Ahead: World Cup and the 2030 Olympics

Following his visit to Brasília, Braathen will return to competition, participating in World Cup stages in Slovenia (March 7-8) and Norway (March 24-25). He is also looking ahead to the 2030 Winter Olympics, which will be held in the French Alps.