Braathen Pinheiro winner of the giant slalom, Zubčić 14th.
Croatian skier Filip Zubčić finished 14th in the giant slalom at the 2026 Winter Olympics, while Brazil's Lucas Braathen Pinheiro won the gold medal, marking Brazil's first Olympic medal in Winter Games history.
Filip Zubčić, a Croatian skier, competed in the giant slalom at the 2026 Winter Olympics held in Milan-Cortina, finishing in 14th place overall after two runs. He started the second run in 16th position but managed to improve his ranking by moving up two spots despite facing challenges. The second run proved particularly difficult for Zubčić, who encountered issues with his goggles during the race, which hindered his visibility and complicated the already demanding course.
Zubčić's performance showcased his resilience and competitiveness on the world stage, especially considering the circumstances he faced during the event. He demonstrated determination by completing the race and securing a spot among the top 15 giant slalom racers at the Olympics, which is a significant achievement in the context of such a high-level competition. His efforts contribute to Croatia's reputation in winter sports, highlighting the country's athletic talents.
Meanwhile, Lucas Braathen Pinheiro of Brazil claimed the gold medal, a historic win as it represents Brazil's first-ever Olympic medal at the Winter Games. Despite being born in Norway, Braathen chose to compete under the Brazilian flag, which adds an interesting twist to this Olympic narrative. His victory places Brazilian skiing on the global map and opens new avenues for winter sports enthusiasm in his home country.