Lucas Pinheiro Braathen Out of Medal Contention After Slalom Fall - Milan-Cortina 2026

Brazilian skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen’s historic run at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina came to an abrupt end on Monday, February 16th, after a fall during the first run of the slalom competition. Just days after securing Brazil’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the giant slalom, Braathen was unable to contend for a second medal.

A Promising Start Cut Short

Braathen, starting sixth, initially demonstrated strong form, setting the fastest time in the first partial run. He surpassed Atle Lie McGrath of Norway by 0.10 seconds. However, while maintaining a fast pace – 0.26 seconds ahead of the reference point – he lost control and fell, resulting in his disqualification from the event. The slalom requires completion of two runs, with the combined times determining the winner.

Did You Know? Lucas Pinheiro Braathen’s gold medal in the giant slalom was the first Olympic medal ever won by Brazil in a Winter Games event.

Two other Brazilian skiers, Christian Soevik and Giovanni Ongaro, also competed in the slalom, with Soevik also experiencing a fall. A total of 96 athletes participated in the competition, with only those completing the course advancing to the second run. The top 30 times from the first run qualify for the second, which is run in reverse order of placement.

From Historic Victory to Early Exit

Braathen’s gold medal victory on Saturday, February 14th, marked a monumental achievement for Brazil. He completed the two runs of the giant slalom in a total time of 2m25s, with a second run time of 1m11s08. This victory not only secured Brazil’s first Olympic medal in the Winter Games but also established the nation as the third from the Southern Hemisphere to achieve a medal in the snow events, following New Zealand, and Australia.

Expert Insight: Braathen’s performance highlights the increasing global reach of winter sports and the potential for athletes from non-traditional nations to achieve success on the Olympic stage. The intensity that led to his gold medal performance in the giant slalom may have contributed to the risk-taking that resulted in his fall in the slalom.

Braathen’s win surpassed a previous achievement by Argentina at the 1928 St. Moritz Games, where the Argentinian team finished fourth in bobsled – the highest finish by a South American team in Winter Olympic history. His gold medal is, the only medal ever won by a South American nation in the Winter Olympics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Lucas Pinheiro Braathen in the slalom?

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen fell during the first run of the slalom competition and was therefore eliminated, unable to compete for a medal.

What did Lucas Pinheiro Braathen win at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won the gold medal in the giant slalom, the first Olympic gold medal for Brazil in the Winter Games.

Which other countries from the Southern Hemisphere have won medals at the Winter Olympics?

Before Brazil, New Zealand and Australia were the only countries from the Southern Hemisphere to have won medals at the Winter Olympics.

What does this historic achievement mean for the future of winter sports in Brazil and South America?

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen Out of Medal Contention After Slalom Fall – Milan-Cortina 2026