With Brazil entering the joyous throes of Carnival, Alpine ski racer Lucas Pinheiro Braathen on Saturday gave it another reason to celebrate — an Olympic medal. It was the first-ever medal at the Winter Games for any country in South America. And not just any medal: Gold.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva led the way as Brazil saluted skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen who won the nation's first ever medal, a gold, at the Winter Olympics. Lula said on X that Braathen's giant slalom triumph in Bormio,

Braathen won Brazil’s first-ever Winter Games medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

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.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen makes Winter Olympic history for Brazil - Gold in the giant slalom was Brazil’s – and indeed South America’s – first medal at the Winter Games.

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

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

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.

There is something surreal, and thus wonderfully Olympic, about seeing Brazil step onto the highest podium at the Winter Games. The country of samba, Copacabana beaches, and football lived as