The Winter Olympics has not lacked for wild and unusual tales. But few will compare to the sight of a Brazilian winning gold in the giant slalom in Bormio on Saturday.

In doing so, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen became the first South America in history to win a medal of any colour at this version of the Games.

There is a caveat to be added – Braathen was born in Oslo to a Norwegian father and Brazilian mother and would go on to win World Cup events for Norway.

But his story was no less lively for that detail, partially because he quit the sport in 2023 having lost his ‘joy of living’.

By returning to the sport a year later as a Brazilian, where he spent a chunk of his childhood, Braathen embarked on a path that culminated with him burying his face in the snow and weeping in victory after gold in one of skiing’s marquee events.

Braathen beat the Swiss defending champion Marco Odermatt by 0.58 seconds, ahead of Odermatt's team-mate Loic Meillard in bronze.

‘I just hope that Brazilians look to this and truly understand that your difference is your superpower,' Braathen said.

'It may show up in your skin or in your the way you dress. 

'But I hope this inspires every kid out there who feels a bit different to trust who you are.’