LEVI, Finland — Lucas Pinheiro Braathen has boosted Brazil’s hopes for its first ever Olympic medal in Alpine skiing after giving the country its maiden victory in a top-level ski race.

Pinheiro Braathen won the opening slalom of the World Cup season Sunday, three months to the day before the Feb. 16 men’s slalom at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

He held on to his commanding first-run lead to beat 2022 Olympic champion Clement Noel of France by 0.31 seconds.

After finishing, Pinheiro Braathen clicked out of his skis, fell to his knees and screamed “yeah” with both arms in the air.

“It represents who I am, I think,” said Pinheiro Braathen, the Brazilian flag draped over his shoulders. “I am trying to do it my way, trying to ski with my heart, trying to ski for myself instead of for

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