SAALBACH-HINTERGLEMM, Austria — In an exciting turn of events at the Alpine World Championships, Alice Robinson achieved a historic milestone for New Zealand by securing the nation’s first-ever medal. Simultaneously, Dave Ryding captured a noteworthy sixth-place finish for Great Britain, marking his best performance at the age of 38. Meanwhile, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen made waves for Brazil simply by participating, highlighting the growth of skiing in non-traditional countries.
Alongside these achievements, Czech skier Ester Ledecka also shone brightly, clinching a bronze medal in the downhill event last weekend, making this championship a significant moment for skiers from countries typically less recognized in the sport. Ryding noted the importance of this diverse representation, saying, “The sport has got to capitalize on these characters. It’s nice to see all the flags,” he emphasized the increasingly competitive nature of slalom skiing, where smaller nations can compete effectively against larger ones.
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who has Norwegian roots and a Brazilian mother, made his debut representing Brazil this season, bringing home three World Cup podium finishes. His second-place achievement during a giant slalom in Beaver Creek, Colorado, last December was particularly celebratory, as he danced the samba on the podium while draped in the Brazilian flag and wearing cowboy boots.
Pinheiro Braathen’s joyful samba prompted a lighthearted trend within the ski community, inspiring Italy’s Sofia Goggia to showcase her own dance moves after a win the following week, and rising American athlete Lauren Macuga to join in the festivities at the world championships as well.
Robinson’s impressive silver medal in the giant slalom not only marked a major milestone for New Zealand but also ignited celebrations, with attendees proudly waving All Blacks rugby flags. Pinheiro Braathen expressed his happiness in witnessing athletes embrace their personalities, stating, “Sports is about putting smiles on people’s faces.” He believes it is crucial for athletes to show their true character in front of the cameras, as such moments enhance the connection with fans.
Ryding, too, showcased his personality when he took the lead after his second run. He celebrated by flexing his bicep, dancing, and even playing air guitar with his skis. “It’s nice to try and show some personality,” he remarked, noting the responsibility that comes with being on top.
Pinheiro Braathen playfully acknowledged Ryding’s performance, stating, “Shout out to the old man Dave. I like to see those hips move even more. … Let’s just keep dancing and let’s just put on a show.”
Despite not being entirely satisfied with his finishes of 14th in giant slalom and 13th in slalom, Pinheiro Braathen set records for Brazil’s best-ever finishes at the world championships, rallying a spirited group of fans waving their country’s flags. Though he faced health challenges, he remained optimistic, sharing his philosophy: “There’s no such thing as failures. There’s only lessons learned.”
Looking ahead to the future, Pinheiro Braathen aims to earn Brazil’s first medal at the Winter Olympics in one year when he competes at the Milan-Cortina Games. However, his immediate focus is on achieving victory. “The one thing that’s missing for Brazil and my comeback season is that win,” he declared. “So I’ll be chasing that until it’s done.”
