Burgener’s debut with the Brazilian team this year coincided with that of Alpine ski racer Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, whose gold medal Saturday earned South America its first-ever medal in a Winter Olympics. Pinheiro Braathen until 2023 competed for Norway, switching to Brazil last season and adding his mother’s surname.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen became the first South American to win a Winter Olympics medal after he earned gold during Saturday's men's giant slalom. The 25-year-old Pinheiro Braathen, who is ranked second in the world in slalom and giant slalom, recorded a combined time of 2:25.00, 0.58 better than 2022 gold medalist Marco Odermatt to win the event.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen makes Winter Olympic history for Brazil - Gold in the giant slalom was Brazil’s – and indeed South America’s – first medal at the Winter Games.

Brazil danced after winning their first Winter Olympics gold medal while Canada is still trying to win their first.

Brazil, the largest country in South America, is currently in the midst of its samba festival period. During this time, when the entire nation steps to the rhythm of passion in cities like Rio, samba moves that would further energize the people unfolded on the snowy slopes of the Italian Alps in Bormio.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won the men’s giant slalom, earning Brazil’s first Winter Olympic medal and the first for any South American athlete.

Brazil won its 1st gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.Lucas Pinheiro became an Olympic champion in Alpine Skiing - Giant Slalom.Additionally, the Brazilian secured the country's first medal in

Winter Olympics history was made on Saturday, February 14, when Brazilian alpine skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won gold in the men’s giant slalom, beating alpine skiing great Marco Odermatt of Switzerland.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen enters the Winter Olympics as a legitimate medal contender in Alpine skiing, with a chance to become the first Brazilian and South American to win a Winter Olympics medal after switching allegiance from Norway.