Brazilian ski racer Lucas Pinheiro Braathen has turned in a powerful final run to win the Olympic giant slalom and earn South America’s first medal at a Winter Games.

Winter Olympics history was made on Saturday, February 14, when Brazilian alpine skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won gold in the men’s giant slalom, beating alpine skiing great Marco Odermatt of Switzerland.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen said it was "absolutely impossible" to try and convey his emotions after his big win

Brazil, the largest country in South America, is currently in the midst of its samba festival period. During this time, when the entire nation steps to the rhythm of passion in cities like Rio, samba moves that would further energize the people unfolded on the snowy slopes of the Italian Alps in Bormio.

Burgener’s debut with the Brazilian team this year coincided with that of Alpine ski racer Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, whose gold medal Saturday earned South America its first-ever medal in a Winter Olympics. Pinheiro Braathen until 2023 competed for Norway, switching to Brazil last season and adding his mother’s surname.

Brazil danced after winning their first Winter Olympics gold medal while Canada is still trying to win their first.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen makes history for Brazil by clinching his nation's first Winter Olympic medal with gold in the giant slalom.

Alpine Skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen wins Brazil's first ever medal at the Winter Olympics with gold in the men's giant slalom.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen became the first South American to win a Winter Olympics medal after he earned gold during Saturday's men's giant slalom. The 25-year-old Pinheiro Braathen, who is ranked second in the world in slalom and giant slalom, recorded a combined time of 2:25.00, 0.58 better than 2022 gold medalist Marco Odermatt to win the event.