Brazil has achieved a historic first at the Winter Olympics, winning its inaugural gold medal in the men’s giant slalom event on February 15, 2026. The victory, secured by Lucas Pinheiro, marks a significant milestone for the South American nation in winter sports.
The win is particularly noteworthy as Brazil first participated in the Winter Olympics in 1992, coinciding with Lithuania’s return to the games after regaining independence. This achievement highlights the growing global reach of winter sports and the increasing competitiveness of athletes from traditionally non-winter sports nations. Such successes can inspire broader participation in sports and promote physical activity worldwide.
Pinheiro, whose mother is Brazilian and father is Norwegian, trained in Norway. He had previously represented Norway internationally for a short period before choosing to compete for his mother’s homeland. He currently resides in Austria and Italy, and was second in the overall World Cup standings leading up to the Olympics.
According to reports, Pinheiro benefited from starting with the first bib number, as conditions on the course deteriorated for subsequent skiers. The 2022 Beijing Olympic champion, who won silver, acknowledged that Pinheiro’s early start gave him a considerable advantage. Pinheiro himself described his interpretation of the starting number differently.
On the same day as Pinheiro’s victory, Brazil also achieved another notable result in winter sports, with an 11th-place finish in the women’s skeleton event. While less prominent than the gold medal, this achievement demonstrates the country’s expanding presence in various winter disciplines.
Lithuania is also competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics with a team of 17 athletes, the country’s largest contingent ever. Lithuanian athletes are participating in biathlon, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and figure skating, with a detailed schedule of events available here. The Lithuanian team’s schedule includes events beginning February 8, 2026, and continuing throughout the games.
Pinheiro’s win evoked a sense of national pride in Brazil, with the athlete stating he felt “like Ronaldo or Ronaldinho” after his victory. The historic moment, the first time the Brazilian national anthem has been played at a Winter Olympics, was described as a feeling similar to the joy he experienced watching the Brazilian football team win as a child.
