Lucas Pinheiro Braathen / GEPA picture
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen delivered a breathtaking opening run in the men’s Olympic giant slalom on the Stelvio, laying down a benchmark that immediately reshaped the race.
Starting from bib 1, the Brazilian attacked from the first gate and stopped the clock at 1:13.92, a time no one else could match through the top 30.
The first run does not award medals. It simply determines the order for the final run. The two times will be combined this afternoon to decide the Olympic champion.
But make no mistake — the tone of the race has been set.
Men’s Olympic Giant Slalom — Top 5 After Run 1
- 🇧🇷 Lucas Pinheiro Braathen — Bib 1 — YOB 2000 — 1:13.92
- 🇨🇭 Marco Odermatt — Bib 5 — YOB 1997 — +0.95
- 🇨🇭 Loïc Meillard — Bib 6 — YOB 1996 — +1.57
- 🇨🇭 Thomas Tumler — Bib 9 — YOB 1989 — +1.89
- 🇫🇷 Léo Anguenot — Bib 10 — YOB 1998 — +1.91
A Run That Changed the Race
Braathen was fastest in three of the four sectors. He built his advantage early — especially in the decisive second sector — and carried speed and control through the mid-course transitions. By the time the sport’s biggest names crossed the finish, they were staring at a deficit that forced them into chase mode.
Nearly a full second separates Braathen from Marco Odermatt, the reigning Olympic champion, current World Cup giant slalom leader, and three-time GS winner this season.
Odermatt is firmly in position heading into run two — but he has work to do.
Switzerland Brings the Depth
Switzerland responded with numbers.
Odermatt sits closest to the Brazilian, with Loïc Meillard and Thomas Tumler also well positioned inside the top four. Three Swiss skiers are well back but in striking distance heading into the final run.
Swiss coach Helmut Krug will set the second run, introducing a strategic layer to the afternoon.
The narrative is clear: Brazil holds the advantage. Switzerland holds the depth.
🇺🇸 Team USA — Run 1
The United States placed three skiers in the start gate.
USA After Run 1
- 🇺🇸 River Radamus — Bib 15 — YOB 1998 — 12th (+2.46)
- 🇺🇸 Ryder Sarchett — Bib 26 — YOB 2003 — 29th (+4.80)
- 🇺🇸 Kyle Negomir — Bib 46 — YOB 1998 — DNF
Radamus showed flashes of elite speed, particularly in the third sector, but a costly second sector leaves him outside the immediate fight at the top. A strong second run could still move him up the standings.
Sarchett narrowly secured a spot inside the top 30 and will benefit from the reverse-order start. Starting second in run two, he will have clean snow and an opportunity to attack early.
Negomir, fresh off a 10th-place finish in the downhill earlier in the Games, tested himself in giant slalom but did not complete the run. His Olympic campaign will be remembered for that breakthrough speed result.
🇺🇸 Team USA Reacts After Run 1
River Radamus knows exactly where the race slipped away — but he’s not backing off.
“First run, it was very getable,” Radamus said. “You had to be pretty much flawless. The key here is carrying speed. I had a little bobble on the first pitch and got kicked around a couple more times, but I’m proud of my commitment. I’m in the mix, I’ve got a puncher’s chance, and I have nothing to lose next run.”
Ryder Sarchett was candid about his own performance.
“It wasn’t the best performance for me,” Sarchett said. “I didn’t feel great on my skis and was struggling to find the feeling today.”
Still, he’s embracing the opportunity in run two.
“Honestly, my goal is to win the run. If he (Pinheiro Braathen) skis well again, though, it’s going to be nearly impossible to catch him.”
Both Americans head into the second run with the same mindset: attack.
What It Means for Run Two
There is no podium after run one.
The first run simply sets the stage. The final standings will be determined by the combined time of both runs.
Historically, the eventual medalists tend to come from near the top after the opening run. Based on the current margins, the leading quartet is in the best position heading into the final run.
But championships are decided under pressure.
Run one established control.
Run two will decide the medals.
First Run Results
click image to enlarge
First-Run Analysis: Fastest Three and USA ahtletes
About the Author: Peter Lange
