In February, curious and amusing stories were highlighted, including a historic gold medal for Brazil in the Winter Olympics and a daring skating move that had been banned for decades.
In February, the Folha introduced a new section showcasing the most interesting and entertaining news stories of the month. Among these highlights was a gripping moment from the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, where American skater Ilia Malinin, at just 21 years old, executed a backflip in the team figure skating final. This risky maneuver, often referred to as a 'mortal', had been banned by the International Skating Union since 1977 and only saw its restriction lifted shortly before the 2024 Games. Malinin's stunning performance not only thrilled the audience but also helped the United States surpass Japan in the competition rankings.
Another significant achievement occurred in the same Olympics when Brazilian skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen made history by winning the first-ever gold medal for Brazil in this prestigious international competition. Braathen secured his victory in the giant slalom event, a discipline in alpine skiing that tests competitors' agility and speed as they navigate through a series of timed gates. His achievement is seen as a monumental step for Brazil in winter sports, potentially inspiring future generations of athletes to pursue skiing and other winter sports.
These moments, while celebrated, also underscore the evolving nature of competitive sports where traditional boundaries are tested, and athletes showcase extraordinary talent and ambition. The events from February reflect not only personal triumphs but also signify the changing landscape of the Winter Olympics, inviting more global participation and interest in lesser-known sports such as figure skating and skiing, especially from traditionally tropical nations like Brazil.
