Brazil has officially entered the Winter Olympics history books.
On Day 8 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won gold in the men’s giant slalom in Bormio, delivering Brazil’s first-ever Winter Olympic medal and it was gold. It’s also being widely described as the first Winter Olympic medal for a South American nation, making the moment bigger than a single race.
A win built on a huge first run and a tough second
Braathen set the tone early by building a strong lead after the first run, then held on through a high-pressure second run to secure the title. Several outlets noted he finished in a combined time of 2:25.00, which was enough to keep the chasing pack behind and lock in an unforgettable victory.
The celebration matched the moment
Braathen has become known for bringing a bold, joyful personality to skiing and his Olympic win amplified that vibe. Coverage described him as the “samba dancing” skier who skates the line between elite athlete and showman, and his win sparked celebrations that looked very different from the usual quiet, winter-sport style.
Why this story is extra unique
One reason this gold has captured so much attention is Braathen’s personal background and path to the Olympics. Reports describe him as someone who has navigated big identity and career choices, including competing under Brazil’s flag and embracing a broader public profile beyond racing. The result is a “fairytale” headline: a country known for summer sports suddenly producing a Winter Olympic champion.
Day 8 wasn’t just about one gold
Braathen’s win was the headline for many fans, but Day 8 also featured major medals elsewhere, including Austria’s Janine Flock winning women’s skeleton gold and Slovenia’s Domen Prevc winning large hill ski jumping (as reported in Day 8 roundups).
What’s next: With the Games moving deeper into week two, the question is whether Braathen’s breakthrough becomes a one-off miracle or the start of Brazil building a bigger winter-sports story.
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