Brazilian Skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen's Olympic Triumph and Crash

The highs and lows of the young Brazilian skier's performance at the Winter Olympics

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, a 22-year-old Brazilian skier, experienced the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat at the recent Winter Olympics in Bormio, Italy. Braathen captured the gold medal in the men's slalom event, delivering Brazil's first-ever Olympic gold in skiing. However, his triumph was short-lived as he later crashed out of the competition during another slalom run.

Why it matters

Braathen's performance was a historic moment for Brazil, a country not typically known for winter sports success. His gold medal win brought national pride and attention to the country's growing winter sports program. However, his dramatic crash also highlighted the risks and unpredictability inherent in the high-speed sport of alpine skiing at the Olympic level.

The details

Braathen skied a near-perfect first run in the men's slalom event, posting the fastest time and putting himself in position to capture Brazil's first-ever Olympic gold medal in skiing. In his second run, Braathen was pushing the limits, trying to extend his lead, when he lost control and crashed, sliding off the course. Despite the disappointing end to his competition, Braathen's gold medal triumph earlier in the day marked a major milestone for Brazilian winter sports.

  • Braathen won the gold medal in the men's slalom event on February 14, 2026.
  • Braathen crashed out of the competition during his second slalom run on February 16, 2026.

The players

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen

A 22-year-old Brazilian skier who won the gold medal in the men's slalom event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, delivering Brazil's first-ever Olympic gold in skiing.

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What they’re saying

“I gave it everything I had and it paid off with the gold medal. But that's the risk we take in this sport - you have to go all out to win.”

— Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (Houston Chronicle)

The takeaway

Braathen's historic gold medal triumph and dramatic crash encapsulate the thrill and peril of elite-level alpine skiing. His performance has inspired Brazil's winter sports community and shown that with dedication and skill, athletes from non-traditional winter sport nations can achieve Olympic glory.