During the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Brazilian alpine skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won the gold medal in the giant slalom event, marking a historic moment for Brazil as it is the first gold medal for the country and for South America at the Winter Games. This achievement not only highlights the growing presence of South American athletes in winter sports but also symbolizes a significant breakthrough for Brazil in competitions that have traditionally been dominated by countries in the northern hemisphere.

Braathen's victory was secured with a stellar performance, finishing 0.58 seconds ahead of Swiss skier Marco Odermatt, who took home the silver medal, reflecting the intense competition and high stakes of the event. The podium completion saw another Swiss team member receiving the bronze medal, emphasizing the strength of Swiss skiing dominance alongside Braathen's extraordinary success, which could inspire aspiring athletes in Brazil and the greater region.

In addition to Braathen's historic achievement, the live coverage of the Olympics reported on various other events such as the German ice hockey team's loss against Latvia and dramatic occurrences during the women's cross-country skiing. These stories together underscore the excitement and unpredictability of the Winter Games, drawing attention to athletic performances across multiple disciplines, and enriching the overall narrative of the competition as it continues to unfold.