Lucas Pinheiro Braathen has denied Marco Odermatt's bid for Olympic giant slalom gold, but Switzerland still celebrated a double medal haul in Milano Cortina.
The Brazilian-born skier, now competing for his mother's homeland of Brazil, put in a stunning performance to prevent the Swiss superstar from defending his Olympic title in the giant slalom. Despite missing out on gold, Odermatt's result—combined with another strong Swiss showing—means the Alpine nation secured two medals in the discipline at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Marco Odermatt entered the Olympic giant slalom as the overwhelming favorite. The 27-year-old from Nidwalden has dominated the technical speed disciplines in recent seasons, claiming multiple World Cup overall titles and establishing himself as one of the sport's most complete racers. His gold medal in the giant slalom at the 2022 Beijing Olympics cemented his status as the man to beat.
Braathen's Remarkable Return Pays Off
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen's victory represents one of the most compelling storylines of these Games. After stepping away from the Norwegian national team in 2023 following disputes with the federation, Braathen took a sabbatical from competitive skiing. His decision to return representing Brazil—the country of his birth and his father's heritage—raised eyebrows across the Alpine skiing world.
The 24-year-old's technical prowess was never in doubt. Before his break, he had already proven himself as a world-class slalom and giant slalom specialist with multiple World Cup victories. But returning to the sport at the highest level, especially at the Olympics, required both physical preparation and mental fortitude. His gold medal performance in Milano Cortina validates that bold decision.
Swiss Double Delight Despite Odermatt Setback
While Odermatt couldn't add a second consecutive Olympic giant slalom title to his collection, Switzerland's depth in Alpine racing once again shone through. The Swiss team's ability to place two athletes on the podium in such a competitive field demonstrates the strength of their program and the talent pool they've developed.
The result continues Switzerland's proud tradition in Alpine skiing at the Winter Olympics. The nation has consistently produced world-class technical skiers capable of competing for medals across all disciplines. This double medal haul in the giant slalom adds to what has already been a successful Games for the Swiss Alpine team.
Implications for the Alpine Season
Braathen's Olympic triumph could signal a shift in the giant slalom hierarchy for the remainder of the season. While Odermatt remains the dominant force in the overall World Cup standings, the Brazilian's return adds another dimension to the technical events. His ability to peak at the right moment—the hallmark of a true champion—suggests he could be a factor in upcoming World Cup races.
For Odermatt, the silver or bronze medal (the exact placement wasn't specified in the source) represents a rare setback in what has otherwise been a period of unprecedented dominance. However, the Swiss star has proven time and again his ability to bounce back from disappointment. With several World Cup races still remaining on the calendar, he'll have opportunities to reassert his authority in the discipline.
The Milano Cortina Olympics have provided yet another chapter in the evolving story of men's giant slalom, where established stars face challenges from returning champions and emerging talents alike.
