South American Athletes Aim for First 2026 Winter Olympics Medals
For the first time in history, South American athletes are poised to earn medals in the Winter Olympics. Two standout competitors are striving to achieve this remarkable feat during the ongoing 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Key Athletes Representing South America
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen
Alpine skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen is a significant contender. Born in Oslo to a Brazilian mother and Norwegian father, he is currently ranked second globally in both giant slalom and slalom disciplines. Braathen will compete in these events on Saturday and Monday.
Nicole Rocha Silveira
Another notable athlete is Nicole Rocha Silveira, who hails from southern Brazil. At age seven, she moved to Canada and now ranks ninth in women’s skeleton. Silveira has secured three podium finishes in World Cup races over the past two seasons. She will race on Friday and Saturday, with her combined times from four runs determining her standing.
Path to the Winter Olympics
- Silveira previously placed fourth at the 2025 World Championships.
- Both athletes showcased their Brazilian pride by carrying the national flag during the Opening Ceremony.
- Braathen temporarily retired from skiing for Norway just before the 2023-24 season due to conflicts with the Norwegian ski federation.
- He later decided to represent Brazil, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Braathen’s Journey
Braathen’s journey back to competition included challenges and a profound connection to Brazil. After feeling conflicted in Norway, he unexpectedly found himself on the Brazilian island of Ilhabela. He expressed his passion for both countries, stating that “Norway taught me how to be an athlete, how to brave the cold, while Brazil taught me how to be myself.”
His passion culminated in a historic win last November, where he celebrated with a festive “Vamos Brazil!” as he draped himself in the Brazilian flag.
Silveira’s Unique Story
Silveira has a diverse background, balancing her athletic career with a job as a nurse at Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. Her unique helmet design features artwork of a Brazilian parrot wearing a stethoscope, symbolizing her Brazilian heritage.
Initially, Silveira’s family did not plan to settle in Canada. A last-minute decision led them to Calgary instead of Miami, where they believed there were too many Brazilians.
Her journey in sports began in 2017 when a chance encounter with a customer from the Brazilian bobsled team inspired her to pursue skeleton, the sport in which she now excels.
Aspirations for the Milan Cortina Olympics
Both athletes are motivated to achieve significant results. Braathen has already made history for Brazil in the Alpine World Cup, while Silveira aims to improve on her previous Olympic debut by striving for a top eight finish. Each athlete shares a common dream: to secure a medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, a milestone that would celebrate South America’s inaugural presence on the Winter Olympic medal podium.
