Brazil’s First Winter Olympics Medal Could Come From Lucas Pinheiro Braathen

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen told a recent interview with James O Connor Fields in Milan that when he meets Brazilians, he is often met with disbelief. He says the conversations he has spark a “mindblowing moment” that shows how foreign skiing feels to people back home. He laughs that the added pressure of possibly winning a medal would “add a whole other layer of pressure” but he welcomes it.

The Rise of a Dual-Culture Athlete

Pinheiro Braathen’s background is a blend of Brazilian and Norwegian heritage. His mother is Brazilian and his father, Björn Braathen, is Norwegian. He grew up in both countries, spending his childhood in Norway where he first learned to ski at age four or five. His father bought him his first pair of boots and skis, though the young Lucas initially complained that it was “cold” and “not for me.” Over time, he developed a love for the sport.

He raced for Norway until abruptly retiring on the eve of the 2023 season. A year later he returned, this time representing Brazil. His father, who also serves as his team manager, expressed no resentment at the switch. “As a Norwegian, people expect me to feel very bad about that, but I don’t,” he said. “It’s my son and I just want him to be happy.”

World Cup Breakthroughs

Pinheiro Braathen’s first major milestone for Brazil came last year when he became the first Brazilian skier to finish on a World Cup podium. He followed that with a victory this season, adding to the five he won while competing for Norway. His achievements mark a series of firsts:

He describes the pressure he feels as a “privilege” and his most important currency. “I simply try to capitalize off of that pressure and channel it into my performance because, yes, it makes the days leading into the competition extremely challenging,” he said.

Preparing for the Olympics

The men’s alpine ski racing will take place at the Olympics in Bormio. Pinheiro Braathen admits he has no clue exactly what he would do if he succeeded there. He says achieving immense success feels “impossible to curate” because it is a personal moment that “sees the light of day.” He continues to chase that feeling daily.

He is known for bringing energy and flair to the slopes. After his first podium for Brazil, he celebrated with a samba dance, falling to his knees and screaming “yeah!” with both arms in the air. He is also known for painting his fingernails and having a taste for fashion, blending Brazilian vibrancy with Norwegian discipline.

Personal Touches and Celebrations

Pinheiro Braathen’s personality shines through his celebrations. He named the reindeer he won as part of the traditional winner’s prize at the World Cup in Levi after his father. His love for the sport and his cultural duality help shape his approach to competition. “I’m a person of cultural duality,” he said. “Two perspectives always presented from birth… it’s always been these polar opposites and so I think that has shaped me to become who I am today.”

Family and Support

Family support is a cornerstone of Pinheiro Braathen’s career. His close relationship with his father, who introduced him to skiing, remains strong. The father’s willingness to let his son represent Brazil, despite being Norwegian, reflects a focus on the athlete’s happiness over national expectations.

As the Olympic Games approach, the world watches whether Lucas Pinheiro Braathen can translate his World Cup successes into an Olympic medal. If he does, it will not only be a historic moment for Brazil but also for all of South America, potentially sparking a new wave of interest in winter sports across the continent.

Key Takeaways