Overview
- Braathen topped the podium in Bormio’s giant slalom, with Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt taking silver, Loïc Meillard bronze, and Thomas Tumler finishing fourth.
- Born in Oslo to a Norwegian father and Brazilian mother, he raced for Norway before briefly retiring in 2023 over sponsorship disputes and returning in 2024 to compete for Brazil.
- His Olympic title follows strong World Cup form, including Brazil’s first World Cup victory in Levi this season, a podium in Beaver Creek, and a fourth place in Sölden.
- In emotional remarks, he said background and skin color do not determine potential and urged young people to pursue their dreams, punctuating the moment with samba celebrations.
- Alpine legend Alberto Tomba phoned to congratulate him on live TV, and partner Isadora Cruz said she spent the week helping him learn Brazil’s national anthem for the podium.