Lucas Pinheiro Braathen and Mikhail Shaidorov Win Olympic Golds

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won gold in the men’s giant slalom in Bormio, earning South America’s first medal at a Winter Olympics. The victory came a day after Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan took the men’s figure skating title, giving his country a dramatic winter gold after more than three decades.

Pinheiro Braathen completed his run and collapsed onto the snow, then danced and shed tears as Brazil fans waved flags and cheered. Moments after the win he told Globo, “I don’t know how to put into words what I’m feeling right now,” and added, “Nothing is impossible.

It doesn’t matter where you come from, your clothes or the color of your skin.” Born in Norway and formerly a Norwegian racer, he left the Norwegian team in 2023 and began skiing for Brazil in 2024. He belted the Brazilian national anthem on the podium and has become known for the catchphrase “vamos dançar” and samba-like footwork.

Brazil, Bormio

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