Olympic champion Pinheiro Braathen makes Games history for Brazil

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA/Atomic) made Winter Olympic Games history for Brazil as he raced to a dramatic and emotional Giant Slalom title.

After leading from the first run by almost a second, Pinheiro Braathen held his nerve in the final run to record the first ever Winter Olympic medal for Brazil - and doing so in phenomenal style.

He was followed by the Swiss duo of Marco Odermatt (SUI/Stoeckli) and Loic Meillard (SUI/Rossignol) who added to Switzerland's array of alpine medals at these Games.

History-Maker

It’s a day that Lucas and Brazil will never, ever forget. The first Winter Olympic medal for the nation ever – and it’s gold. It was a run like no other in the first that set the platform, and after crossing to secure history, the tears and the shouts told the story.

“It’s been a rather unconventional one (journey). But it’s been my one.” Pinheiro Braathen was clear and true to himself in the mixed zone after his moment of triumph. “Following my intuition, who I am. Whether I had been first, second, third, fourth today. If I were to feel it in my heart, it would have been my definition of success. But I knew – because I dreamed about this for so long – that if I followed my heart to the greatest extent, that I could finish on the top. And that’s why I am an Olympic champion today.”

But what of the difference this could make? For the new champion, he's clear on just what this could do.

"I hope I can inspire some kids out there that, despite what they wear, despite how they look, despite where they come from, they can follow their own dreams and be who they really are. Because that is the real source of happiness in life."

Run One

The first appearance of these games from Pinheiro Braathen came up first, and he set his stall out after what has been a strong season so far. His faultless 1:13.92 was a super start, and it looked even better after Atle Lie McGrath (NOR/Head) and Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR/Van Deer) came next, both crossing a couple of seconds behind.

As the first runner, Pinheiro Braathen’s celebrations were muted, but that run just kept looking better the more racers followed him down. Marco Schwarz (AUT/Atomic) was more than two seconds back. But it was when Marco Odermatt came down that it really became clear just how strong the Brazilian’s venture was. Odermatt recorded the second fastest time of the run but was still 0.95s back. And his teammate Meillard couldn’t catch Pinheiro Braathen either, 1:15.49 his time.

The top three in the World Cup standings were the top three after the first run, but the Swiss duo – and the chasing pack - would have work to do to deny Pinheiro Braathen a first ever Brazilian Winter Olympic title.

Run Two

As the order of entry reversed, for many of the racers they hoped their fortunes would too in their attempts to push for the podium. Schwarz (AUT/Atomic) would have been disappointed with his first run but was the pick of the first 15 racers with a combined 2:27.28 recorded.

There was despair for both Alex Vinatzer (ITA/Atomic) and Fabian Gratz (GER/Fischer) who both recorded DNF’s one after another, nine remaining in the pursuit of podiums. Atle Lie McGrath was the first to displace Schwarz, a moment of joy for the Norwegian after a tough week away from the snow. Second, third and fourth after the first race was the Swiss trio of Odermatt, Meillard and Thomas Tumler (SUI/Stoeckli).

Tumler moved into first with a stunning second run, a 0.37s lead ahead of McGrath. Then came Meillard, who displaced his compatriot with a 0.28s gap. And then it was down to Odermatt and Pinheiro Braathen. 2022 Olympic champion Odermatt, who teamed alongside Meillard for a silver in the team combined, threw everything into both runs and guaranteed himself a medal by moving into first by 0.59s with just the Brazilian to go.

Chasing a combined time of 2:25.58, Pinheiro Braathen decided today was the day to make history. He was left a picture of shock upon crossing the line, tears of joy as he collapsed to the ground after 2:25.00 put him on top of the world.

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Odermatt back on the podium

After gold in Beijing four years ago – as well as some phenomenal World Cup form – Marco Odermatt came into this final hoping to retain his crown and add to his collection from these Games. And though it wasn’t to be gold, it was back to the podium for the Swiss sensation.

Odermatt took silver behind Pinheiro Braathen, and was full of emotion for himself, his team and the new Olympic champion.. “Somehow we knew that Lucas can just beat himself in the second run at one second ahead, after his amazing first run. But still we tried to attack with it, all three Swiss we came in with green lights. We also hoped for a triple victory, but Lucas calculated it really well."

The plan now? To rest - and celebrate. “Today is for celebrating. It’s been a long week, long two weeks without really celebrating and always looking for the next challenge – now it’s over!”

Meillard adds another to his collection

For Loic Meillard, it’s truly been a Games to remember. He made it two medals from Bormio, adding bronze to his silver in the team combined alongside Odermatt.

“I’m very satisfied” he said afterwards. “It’s one more medal in the GS, another big event where I leave with a medal so that’s great. It was just that one guy was much better today and with Marco it was a nice fight.” The bronze medallist was cheered on by a big Swiss crowd, adding “I think many Swiss were here, more than any other nation, so we can enjoy it as well!”

Meillard entered the second run in third spot, and was able to consolidate it after a first run that the Brazilian leader was dominant in. “We had a little bit too much of a gap with Lucas, he was just one step better this morning. So second run I had no regrets when I crossed the finish line, I knew I pushed as I could with a few mistakes but that’s part of the game.”

Still to Come

Sunday sees the women’s competition in the giant slalom take place over in Cortina, as the best in the world go in search of a penultimate chance at Olympic medals.

On Monday, the men’s action comes to a close with what promises to be an enthralling slalom final, with the women’s action in slalom coming on Wednesday to bring what has already been a Games to remember to a dramatic close.