2026 Winter Olympics: South America's First Medals in the Winter Games
The 102-year wait is over. In a historic moment, South America has finally won its first-ever Olympic medal in the Winter Games, and it's a gold one! The achievement belongs to two athletes: Alpine skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen and skeleton racer Nicole Rocha Silveira. Their victories mark a new era for South American winter sports.
The Gold Medalist: Lucas Pinheiro Braathen
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, born in Oslo to a Brazilian mother and a Norwegian father, claimed the giant slalom gold in Bormio, Italy. His victory is a testament to the power of diversity and self-belief. Pinheiro Braathen's journey began in Brazil, where he annually visited as a child. He later moved to Norway, where he trained as a skier, becoming the world's top-ranked slalom skier. However, a dispute with the Norwegian ski federation over athlete marketing rights led him to retire at 23. He then made a bold move, booking a one-way ticket to Brazil and deciding to represent his ancestral homeland.
"I hope I can inspire some kids out there that, despite what they wear, despite how they look, despite where they come from, they can follow their own dreams and be who they really are," Pinheiro Braathen said. "Because that is the real source of happiness in life."
His win in Bormio, with a combined time of 2:25.00, secured South America's first-ever Olympic gold medal in the Winter Games.
Silver Medalist: Nicole Rocha Silveira
Nicole Rocha Silveira, born in Brazil and raised in Canada, is a rising star in the women's skeleton. She finished the competition in Cortina d'Ampezzo, ranked ninth in the world. Silveira's journey to the Olympics began in Calgary, where she worked as a nurse at the Alberta Children's Hospital. Her unique helmet, adorned with a Brazilian parrot wearing a stethoscope, reflects her dual heritage.
"From what I remember, they were googling the best city to live in, and the first one to show up was Miami," Silveira recalled. "My dad went to Miami alone just to scope it out. He thought there were too many Brazilians in the area already. The second place they chose was Calgary."
Silveira's talent is evident in her three World Cup race podiums over the last two seasons and her fourth-place finish at the 2025 World Championships. Her performance in the skeleton, a sport similar to bobsledding, showcases her versatility and skill.
As South America celebrates its first-ever Winter Olympic medal, these two athletes embody the spirit of perseverance, diversity, and the pursuit of dreams. Their victories open a new chapter in South American winter sports, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.
Stay tuned for more updates from the 2026 Winter Olympics!
