Can make history at the Olympic Games in Milan Cortina » Who is the exuberant skier who celebrated the podium by dancing samba
Article by Luminița Paul – Published Monday, January 26, 2026 21:09 / Updated Monday, January 26, 2026 21:13
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (25) is Brazil's and South America's best hope for a historic medal at the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina (February 6-22). He has a Crystal Globe in slalom, in 2023, and 6 World Cup victories.
The wavy-haired, big-smiling alpine skier could make history at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, although his Brazilian compatriots are left wondering what sport he plays.
Born in Oslo in April 2000 to a Brazilian mother and Norwegian father, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen he skied for the first time when he was three or four years old. He then took a break until he was 9, after his parents divorced and he went to live in Brazil with his mother. He later returned to Norway to stay with his father, but regularly visited the large South American country.
An open, even overflowing personality, he attracted attention from his first international participations, being a world junior medalist with silver and bronze in 2018 and 2019. In 2018, he made his debut in the World Cup, collecting the first points, 5, the ones due to the 26th place occupied.
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, one year behind bars, conflict with the federation
Then he progressed, the first podiums and victories came, until on October 27, 2023 he announced his retirement from the activity, one day before the start of the new season, after entering into conflict with the Norwegian federation. Lucas posed for J. Lindeberg, a rival firm to the Nordic forum's equipment contract, Helly Hansen. At the time, he did not pay the fine imposed by the federation, then withdrew.
6wins in the World Cup has Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, 5 for Norway, one for Brazil
Exactly one year later, he returned, but representing Brazil, not Norway.
“Whenever I meet a new person in Brazil, there is a moment of amazement, followed by an interesting conversation,” he told the AP about the situations in which he reveals to his countrymen that he is a skier.
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen in action Photo: Guliver/GettyImages
But it was news for him when he found out that he could become the first medalist in history not only from his country, but from all of South America at the Winter Olympics. “Thanks for adding another layer of pressure,” he exclaimed with a laugh as he came into possession of the precious information. “The bigger the challenge, the bigger the difference I can make“, he added, seriously.
He is the winner of the Crystal Globe in slalom since 2023, when he competed for Norway, but he already signed firsts under the Brazilian flag last year. The first podium, then the first victory, in November, in the Levi slalom (Finland).
I try to capitalize on this pressure and channel it into my development because the days before a competition are full of tension, knowing that you can achieve something big – Lucas Pinheiro Braathen.
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, colorful personality of alpine skiing
Lucas is one of the most vibrant personalities in skiing, known for painting his nails and having an interest in fashion. He brings the energy of Brazil and the discipline of Norway to the slopes in equal measure.
“I'm a culturally dual person,” he said. “Since birth I've always had two perspectives, so it's always been obvious to me that I haven't lived a life where I've only been exposed to one reality, one culture, or one way of life. There have always been these opposite extremes and I think that's what made me who I am today and wanting to live my life this way“, confessed Pinheiro Braathen, who last summer made public his relationship with the Brazilian actress Isadora Cruz (27 years old).
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen and his painted nails Photo: Guliver/GettyImages
The young sportsman likes to entertain the public. When he got his first podium for Brazil, he celebrated with a samba dance. His reaction after getting his first win was more visceral, dropping to his knees and shouting “yes!” with both arms raised in the air.
He admits he has no idea what he would do if he were successful in Bormio, where the men's alpine skiing events will be held at the Olympics.
“If you achieve massive success in something you've dedicated your life to, at least for me, it's impossible to predict what those moments will look like“, concluded Pinheiro Braathen.
