Brazilian ski racer Lucas Pinheiro Braathen turned in a powerful final run to win the Olympic giant slalom Saturday and earn South America’s first medal at a Winter Games.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen grew up in Norway but switched to represent Brazil, his mother's country, and now has first Winter Olympics medal for South America.

Brazil's Lucas Pinheiro Braathen captured the men's giant slalom title at the Milan-Cortina Games on Saturday, marking South America's first-ever Winter Olympic medal, while Australia's Jakara Anthony won gold in the Olympic debut of women's dual moguls.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen makes Winter Olympic history for Brazil - Gold in the giant slalom was Brazil’s – and indeed South America’s – first medal at the Winter Games.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen enters the Winter Olympics as a legitimate medal contender in Alpine skiing, with a chance to become the first Brazilian and South American to win a Winter Olympics medal after switching allegiance from Norway.