Lucas Pinheiro Braathen was overcome by his emotions. © ANSA / ANNA SZILAGYI

Braathen's tears of joy: "Brazil shaped me"

When Lucas Pinheiro Braathen fulfilled his dream of winning gold, his emotions knew no bounds.

February 14, 2026

From: cst/apa

The Brazilian cried, laughed, and jumped for joy, because the 25-year-old was honored with his Giant slalom triumph in Bormio Not only did he become an Olympic champion, but he also won the first-ever South American medal at the Winter Games. Afterwards, the ski racer reflected on his remarkable journey. "Without these drastic decisions, I wouldn't be sitting here," he said.

In the fall of 2023, Braathen had unexpectedly announced his retirement in Sölden, just before the start of the season, at the age of 23 – partly due to disputes with the Norwegian Ski Federation. Unhappy, Braathen took a break and returned to the ski circuit a year later, representing his mother's homeland. On Saturday, the day of his greatest success, the eccentric Salzburg resident's actions were vindicated.

Football fostered a love for sport

“I imagined it, manifested it, and dreamed of it for so long,” said Braathen, draped in a Brazilian flag at the press center on the edge of the Stelvio Pass. “Even though I believed in it so much and knew it was meant for me, it still feels so incredible that this dream is now a reality,” added the eccentric fashion enthusiast, who has residences in Altenmarkt im Pongau and Milan.

Proud to be Brazilian: Lucas Pinheiro Braathen. © ANSA / GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO

With the gold medal around his neck, the Oslo-born son of a Brazilian mother and a Norwegian father emphasized his love for his homeland. "I am more than proud that the national anthem was played because of me." He had heard it so often with the Brazilian national football team, there "where my love for the sport grew," said Braathen, who was a big fan of Ronaldinho as a child. He is now very much looking forward to traveling back to Brazil. "This country has shaped me into the person I am," said Braathen.