Brazil's Pinheiro Braathen wins gold, and South America's first Winter Olympics medal

Once a racer for Norway, Pinheiro Braathen switched to Brazil, his mother's home country. In winning the Olympic giant slalom on Saturday, he earned South America's first medal at a Winter Games.

15 Feb, 08:59 — 15 Feb, 12:58

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Why this matters

This story is significant because South American countries, largely located in tropical or subtropical zones, have historically had minimal representation and success in the Winter Olympics. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen's gold medal marks a historic first for the entire continent, breaking a long-standing barrier and potentially inspiring future winter sports development in the region.

Key entities

Lucas Pinheiro BraathenBrazilian gold medalist BrazilCountry represented by the athlete South AmericaContinent achieving its first Winter Olympics medal NorwayAthlete's former country of representation Winter OlympicsInternational multi-sport event Giant SlalomAlpine skiing discipline

Coverage Timeline

First report: AP · 15 Feb, 08:59|Full coverage: All 3 sources within 4h|Window: 4h

AP15 Feb, 08:59First to report

Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen wins giant slalom, earns South America’s 1st medal at Winter Games - AP News

Al Jazeera15 Feb, 09:08

Brazil wins first gold medal for South America at Winter Olympics

4h later

NPR15 Feb, 12:58Latest update