The Brazilian ski superstar Lucas Pinheiro Braathen enchants the ski world with his style. The Brazilian is also celebrated by the audience in Adelboden. The 24-year-old returned the favor to the fans with a second place in the slalom on Chuenisbärgli. Only Clément Noël had to bow for two hundredths of a second, while Henrik Kristoffersen completed the podium.
The Brazil star showed how much this podium means to him with his celebration in the finish area. Although he didn’t dance the samba, he was beaming from ear to ear and celebrating wildly. The crowning finale was a selfie with ski legend Didier Cuche at the trophy presentation and a champagne shower by Noël.
«For me it is the only right path after such success. Clément and I looked at each other and knew we wanted to do this. “Henrik wasn’t so happy,” says the smiling second, describing the moment, “but we had to do it.”
Pinheiro Braathen has every reason to celebrate. Before retiring, he competed for Norway before making his comeback for Brazil this season. He achieved his first ever podium finishes this season for his mother’s home country. In the giant slalom in Beaver Creek he also came second behind Thomas Tumler and in Adelboden Pinheiro Braathen took the second podium in the history of Brazil.
In the interview after the race, when asked for 20 minutes, he explained what this podium meant to him: “The podium in Beaver Creek was special. And now to do the same thing here in Adelboden… There’s no place in the world where I’d rather do that.” For him it is the most extraordinary race on the tour. He experienced many ups and downs here.
In 2021 he was seriously injured after a fall, and in his injury comeback the following year he won the slalom. «The race means everything to me. I’m grateful for all the great fans who came here and gave me their love,” said Pinheiro Braathen, announcing his love for the Chuenisbärgli.
He gives something back to the fans after the race. Wrapped in a Brazil flag, the runner-up walks through the World Cup village, takes a few selfies with his fans and hands out autograph cards. The fans thanked him with applause and loud support.
He skillfully avoided the 20-minute question about whether he would give a serenade at the award ceremony. He only revealed: “Brazil now has two podium places. For me it feels like a victory.” So we’ll see what Pinheiro Braathen comes up with.
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