Lucas Pinheiro Braathen has made history. © APA/afp / FABRICE COFFRINI

In snow and rain: Braathen wins historic gold

On Saturday afternoon, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen crowned himself Olympic champion for the first time in his career. He made history in the giant slalom in Bormio.

February 14, 2026

From: never

Heavy snowfall above, light rain below – the conditions in the second run of the men's giant slalom at the Olympic Games presented the athletes with an extraordinary challenge. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, however, remained unfazed and, with a controlled run, secured Brazil's first Olympic gold medal in the history of the Winter Games. In the finish area, the Norwegian-born skier, which had already caused puzzled faces in the first roundHe couldn't believe his eyes and simply fell down into the snow.

Shortly afterwards, Marco Odermatt (2nd/+0,58 seconds) and his compatriot Loic Meillard (3rd/+1,17) celebrated silver and bronze medals with the 25-year-old. Switzerland now has seven medals in Bormio and Cortina d'Ampezzo (3 gold/2 silver/2 bronze), followed by Italy (1/1/2) and Austria (1/1/1).

Vinatzer slips after issuing a challenge

Alex Vinatzer had set his sights on a comeback in the second run. The Wolkenstein native finished eleventh in the first run, aiming to move up the rankings. The 26-year-old got off to a bold start, taking the first gates directly and aggressively. At the first split time, Vinatzer was almost six-tenths of a second ahead, but shortly afterwards he slipped and was eliminated.

Alex Vinatzer was eliminated in the second run. © APA / EXPA/ JOHANN GRODER

After the bitter setback in the team combination Despite his elimination in the giant slalom, the Olympic Games are not yet over for the South Tyrolean. On Monday, Vinatzer will compete in the slalom, the last Olympic event for the men's skis (starting at 10:00 a.m.). SportNewslive ticker).