Alpine skiing-Girardelli hails showman Pinheiro Braathen as great for the sport

BORMIO, Italy, Feb 13 : Brazilian Lucas Pinheiro Braathen has made it his mission to spread Alpine skiing well beyond its Teutonic heartland and former world champion Marc Girardelli believes the 25-year-old showman is exactly what the sport needs.

Norway-born Braathen will bring his samba-style slalom skills to the Milano Cortina Olympics in Saturday's giant slalom, seeking to win South America's first medal in a Winter Games.

"I liked his passion at the opening ceremony," Girardelli said of Braathen's eye-catching flagbearer role at the opening ceremony in fashion capital Milan which the Brazilian said was inspired by the 'spirit of a super-hero'.

"Athletes like Pinheiro Braathen in the World Cup is the best that can happen. It's something like (Italian slalom great) Alberto (Tomba) 30 or 40 years ago."

Braathen stunned the sport when he split with the Norwegian federation and retired after winning the World Cup slalom title in 2023, saying he was not able to express himself or have the freedom to work with his own sponsors.

Less than a year later, he returned to the slopes in the colours of Brazil, the birthplace of his mother Alessandra and where he spent several years of his childhood.

"The time has come, Brazil. Let's dance," was his message and he will spark a party the like of which Bormio has never seen should he win a medal in the giant slalom or Monday's slalom which, based on the season's form, is highly probable.

Speaking at an event organised by Bormio Tourism, former all-rounder Girardelli, winner of three world titles in combined and one in slalom, said Pinheiro Braathen's appeal beyond regular ski fans could only boost the sport's profile.

"People turn on TV because of personalities, not only because of