Historic Win for South America at the Winter Olympics
It’s been 102 years since the Winter Olympics started, and South America has finally made its mark. On a snowy day in Bormio, Italy, alpine skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won the gold medal in the giant slalom. This was a first for an athlete from a South American country.
Lucas, born in Oslo to a Brazilian mother and Norwegian father, expressed hope that his achievement would inspire others. “No matter who you are or where you’re from, you can chase your dreams,” he said.
But Brazil’s journey in winter sports may not stop here. Nicole Rocha Silveira, a rising star in women’s skeleton, is also aiming for a medal. Ranked ninth in the world, Nicole has shined in previous competitions, placing fourth at the 2025 World Championships.
In giant slalom, athletes race twice, and the best combined time wins. Lucas led after his first run and secured his gold with a total time of 2:25.00—0.58 seconds ahead of silver medalist Marco Odermatt from Switzerland. Overwhelmed with joy, Lucas said, “I can’t believe this is real.”
Both athletes proudly carried the Brazilian flag at the Opening Ceremony, despite learning their sports in colder climates. Lucas had a surprising career shift. Initially, he was Norway’s top slalom skier but retired unexpectedly just before the 2023-24 season. After some soul-searching in Brazil, he decided to return to skiing, now representing Brazil. “I fell in love with sports there,” he shared, “coming full circle means everything.”
Meanwhile, Nicole’s journey took an unexpected turn as well. After her family ended up in Calgary instead of Miami, she stumbled into skeleton while working at a supplement shop. In her Olympic debut in 2022, she achieved a remarkable 13th place—Brazil’s best performance in winter sports until now.
For her, the upcoming Milan Cortina Games are promising. “A top eight would be incredible,” she said, “but we all dream of that medal.”
These athletes are not just competitors; they’re trailblazers, showing that passion and perseverance can break any barriers. As they continue their journeys, they remind us that the heart of sports is about following one’s dreams, no matter where you start from.
