As snow blanketed Bormio and fog enveloped the slopes, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen etched his name in history by becoming the first South American to earn a Winter Olympic medal, capturing gold in the men’s giant slalom for Brazil. Overcome with emotion at the realization of his achievement, Braathen collapsed on the snow, allowing his tears of joy to flow freely.
In an emotional moment after his victory, he urged the Brazilian people to embrace their uniqueness, stating, “I just hope that Brazilians look at this and truly understand that your difference is your superpower. It may show up in your skin or in the way you dress. But I hope this inspires every kid out there who feels a bit different to trust who you are.”
Pinheiro Braathen’s performance was remarkable from the start; on his first run, he set a commanding pace, opening up a stunning 0.95-second lead over the renowned Swiss skier Marco Odermatt. His initial run was so dominant that only seven competitors finished within two seconds of his time. Although he lost some ground during the second run, his composure allowed him to secure the victory with a final margin of 0.58 seconds. “It really was one hell of a first run,” he noted, reflecting on his ability to maintain balance in the critical moments of the competition.
Born in Oslo to a Brazilian mother and a Norwegian father, Braathen’s journey to Olympic glory has been anything but conventional. Initially introduced to skiing by his father at the age of eight, he faced challenges at the Beijing Games where he failed to finish in both giant slalom and slalom. After a brief hiatus, he turned his career around, splitting from the Norwegian federation to pursue his identity and freedom in the sport. In 2024, he embraced his Brazilian heritage, returning to the slopes wearing the colors of Brazil.
With a burgeoning social media presence and a foot in the fashion industry, he launched his own skincare line while becoming a familiar face at events in Paris and Milan. Braathen articulated the significance of his victory, stating, “It was the biggest stage I could put my foot on. But I am built for this stage. As I said before these Games started, Brazil is not here to participate. We are going to bring a difference. That was my goal.”
In the end, Marco Odermatt, the reigning Olympic champion, claimed the silver medal, while his compatriot Loic Meillard secured bronze. Braathen’s triumph signifies not only a personal victory but also a beacon of inspiration for those who embrace their differences. His story resonates with the hope that perseverance and authenticity can lead to remarkable achievements, encouraging others to believe in their potential despite the odds.