Pinheiro Braathen takes men’s slalom for Brazil’s 1st alpine skiing World Cup win

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen has boosted Brazil's hopes for its first-ever Olympic medal in alpine skiing after giving the country its maiden victory in a top-level ski race.

Pinheiro Braathen won the opening slalom of the World Cup season Sunday in Levi, Finland, three months to the day before the Feb. 16 men's slalom at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

He held on to his commanding first-run lead to finish in one minute 50.72 seconds, beating 2022 Olympic champion Clement Noel of France by 0.31 seconds (1:51.03).

After finishing, Pinheiro Braathen clicked out of his skis, fell to his knees and screamed "yeah" with both arms in the air.

"It represents who I am, I think," said Pinheiro Braathen, the Brazilian flag draped over his shoulders. "I am trying to do it my way, trying to ski with my heart, trying to ski for myself instead of for others."

It was Pinheiro Braathen's sixth career victory, but first since he started to compete for Brazil last year after leaving the Norwegian ski federation.

Braathen makes history, becomes 1st ever Brazilian to capture an alpine World Cup victory

"This road was tough, it was really a lonely road, too. But I went my own way, and I am so grateful for my family, my friends, my team for trusting and believing in me," said Pinheiro Braathen, whose Norwegian father Bjorn was at the race.

"I am so proud, this is not just a World Cup win, this is a personal triumph. I hope I can inspire others to go their own way," he added.

Two Canadians didn’t finish among the top 30 to advance to the second run. Liam Wallace of Banff, Alta., was 39th (56.73 seconds) and Calgary’s Erik Read 59th (58.27).

A tech specialist who debuted on the World Cup in 2018, Pinheiro Braathen won five races before