A significant moment is on the horizon for South American sports as two athletes aim to break new ground for Brazil at the ongoing Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Despite a history of no medals being won by any South American country in the Winter Games, alpine skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen and skeleton racer Nicole Rocha Silveira are poised to compete for the podium this weekend.
Pinheiro Braathen, a dual-national born in Oslo to a Brazilian mother and Norwegian father, currently ranks second in the world in both giant slalom and slalom. His events will take place on Saturday and Monday, showcasing his incredible talents on the slopes. Silveira, originally from the southern tip of Brazil and raised in Canada, is ranked ninth in women’s skeleton. She has made her mark on the sport with three World Cup podium finishes in recent seasons and is set to compete in two runs on Friday and Saturday, with combined times determining the medal winners.
Both athletes were honored to carry the Brazilian flag during the Opening Ceremony, representing their nation with pride. Pinheiro Braathen experienced a dramatic journey: he was once the top-ranked slalom skier in Norway but faced conflict with the Norwegian ski federation. After an inspiring moment of self-discovery during a trip to Brazil, he decided to return to skiing under the Brazilian flag after being granted a release from the Norwegian federation. His performances have been electrifying, and he made history by becoming the first Brazilian skier to reach an Alpine World Cup podium.
The narrative of Silveira’s success is equally compelling. After moving to Calgary with her family under unexpected circumstances, she transitioned from bodybuilding to skeleton, encouraged by a chance encounter with a bobsledder. Her Olympic debut in 2022 saw her achieve the second-best result for a Brazilian in Winter Olympic history, and she aspires for even greater success at the Milan Cortina Games.
Both athletes share a deep love for representing Brazil, blending their past experiences with their current pursuits. Pinheiro Braathen sums it up well when he said, “Norway taught me how to be an athlete, how to brave the cold. Brazil taught me how to be myself.”
Silveira dreams of achieving a top-eight finish at the Olympics, expressing her aspirations for a medal. The participation of both athletes represents a significant step for Brazil on the international winter sports stage, evoking hope and pride among fans and inspiring future generations. As the competitions unfold, all eyes will be on these trailblazers as they strive to make history for South America and their nation.