In an unforgettable finale at Hafjell (Lillehammer, Norway) on March 24, 2026, Pinheiro Braathen held his nerve in the second run to clinch the Crystal Globe after Marco Odermatt’s dramatic first-run DNF opened the door wide. This is his second career Crystal Globe — following his previous slalom title — and the first-ever GS Globe for Brazil and all of South America.
What a story. From Olympic GS gold in Milano-Cortina to now ruling the discipline on the World Cup circuit. The 25-year-old (Norwegian-born) sensation has rewritten the history books.
After posting the fastest first run (1:11.24), Braathen started the second run with a comfortable cushion. He skied smart, aggressive, and clean under immense pressure, securing the title mathematically even before the final athletes crossed the line. Odermatt, who had dominated GS for years and entered the race leading by 48 points, pushed too hard early and hooked a gate, ending his chance in heartbreaking fashion.
Stefan Brennsteiner (AUT) and Loïc Meillard (SUI) pushed hard but couldn’t close the gap enough to stop the Brazilian express.
“This is insane. I can’t believe it,” Braathen said moments after the win, fighting back tears. “To win the Globe after everything this season… for Brazil, for my team, for everyone who believed in me. It’s a dream.”
Odermatt, ever the class act, congratulated his rival immediately: “Lucas deserves this. He’s an amazing athlete and he was the best this season when it mattered most.”
With this victory, Pinheiro Braathen not only takes the GS Globe but also cements himself as one of the biggest stars in alpine skiing. He already owns Olympic gold in the discipline — now he adds the most prestigious season-long title.
The Swiss era of total GS dominance has been broken. A new champion from the south has arrived.
Final GS Standings (2025-26):
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA) — Crystal Globe Winner
? (TBD after final calculations)
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What a way to end the season. The alpine world is officially shook. 👏🔥
