From Football Dreams to Snow King: Braathen Wins Brazil's First Winter Olympic Gold

• Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, 25, secured Brazil's first Winter Olympics gold medal in giant slalom, a historic win for a South American nation.
• Born in Norway, Braathen initially aspired to be a football player, inspired by Brazilian legends like Ronaldinho Gaucho and Ronaldo.
• He reluctantly took up skiing after moving back to Norway and later won the World Cup globe in slalom in 2023 as a Norwegian.
• Braathen returned to ski racing in 2024 under Brazil's colors, aiming to spread Alpine sport and make history on his own terms.
• His victory in the Italian Alps, beating Swiss favorite Marco Odermatt, was celebrated by Brazil's president and Italian slalom great Alberto Tomba.