Brazil wins first gold medal for South America at Winter Olympics

In 2026, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won the giant slalom event at the Winter Olympics in Italy. This victory marked the first Winter Olympics gold medal for Brazil and any South American country. Braathen expressed pride in representing Brazil and hearing the national anthem played. The win was especially meaningful to him, having grown up watching the Brazilian football team's successes. The event took place on February 15, 2026.

At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil and Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan achieved historic firsts for their nations. Pinheiro Braathen won gold in the men's giant slalom, marking the first Winter Olympics medal for a South American athlete. Shaidorov secured Kazakhstan's first gold medal in figure skating, and its first gold in any Winter Olympic sport in 32 years, by winning the men's competition on Friday. Pinheiro Braathen's victory on Saturday was unexpected, as Brazil is not traditionally a winter sports powerhouse. Shaidorov's win was also considered an upset, as he outperformed favorites from the United States and Japan.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil won the gold medal in the men's giant slalom at the Winter Olympics in Bormio, becoming the first South American to ever win a Winter Olympic medal. The 25-year-old skier, born in Oslo to a Brazilian mother and Norwegian father, secured the victory with a strong first run and a composed second run. Pinheiro Braathen previously competed for Norway, even winning the World Cup slalom title in 2023 before retiring due to sponsorship and self-expression conflicts. He returned to competition in 2024 representing Brazil, his mother's homeland. His victory is seen as an inspiration for Brazilians and anyone who feels different, encouraging them to embrace their individuality.