Brazil’s Pinheiro Braathen wins gold – and South America’s first Winter Olympics medal 14 February 2026 at 10:25

Brazil’s Pinheiro Braathen wins gold – and South America’s first Winter Olympics medal

14 February 2026 at 10:25

Norwegian-born skier storms to historic slalom gold
‘Your difference is your superpower,’ says 25-year-old

As the snow fell in Bormio, and the fog settled in, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen made history by becoming the first South American to win a Winter Olympic medal. Then, as the realisation that he had won gold for Brazil in the men’s giant slalom, he collapsed to the floor and allowed the tears to flow.

“I just hope that Brazilians look at this and truly understand that your difference is your superpower,” he said, still sobbing away. “It may show up in your skin or in the way you dress. But I hope this inspires every kid out there who feels a bit different to trust who you are.”

Winter Olympics 2026: ski jumping, skeleton, freestyle skiing, speed skating and more – live 14 February 2026 at 13:50

Winter Olympics 2026: ski jumping, skeleton, freestyle skiing, speed skating and more – live

The Guardian

By:James Wallace (now) · Billy Munday and Tanya Aldred (earlier)

14 February 2026 at 13:50

Medal table | Live scores and schedule | Results | Briefing
Giant slalom gold for Brazil | Get in touch: email James

Women’s dual moguls: It’s all very civilised out on the snow, the athletes have a hug when they reach the bottom. I was thinking the snow looked a bit grubby but it turns out the authorities put out pine needles – I think to help skiers find their way.

Anyway, they’ve zipped through very quickly and have already sorted the quarter finals, with four Americans in the final eight.

Two Britons among three dead after avalanche in French Alps 13 February 2026 at 14:55

Two Britons among three dead after avalanche in French Alps

The Guardian

By:Nadeem Badshah

13 February 2026 at 14:55

A skier from France is also killed with manslaughter investigation to be carried out by mountain rescue police

Two Britons are among three skiers to have been killed in an avalanche in the French Alps.

The pair were part of a group of five people, accompanied by an instructor, off-piste skiing in Val d’Isère, in south-east France. A French national, who was skiing alone, was also killed.

The best affordable ski-wear brands for a stylish snow season 12 February 2026 at 10:33

The best affordable ski-wear brands for a stylish snow season

The Guardian

By:Peter Bevan

12 February 2026 at 10:33

Everything you need to know about buying ski gear: our fashion expert’s top budget brands for goggles, gloves, salopettes and jackets

• How to dress in cold weather

Skiing is expensive. From your lift pass to your equipment hire, transfers, travel and accommodation, it’s not a particularly accessible sport. Luckily, there are ways to curb your spending if you’re heading to the slopes – one of which is your choice of ski gear.

There are several reasonably priced brands that provide quality for a fraction of the price of luxury labels. Sure, you won’t be buying the most technologically advanced gear – if you’re a seasoned skier tackling extreme weather off piste, a high-street jacket probably won’t cut it – but if you’re a touch more fairweather, like me, these products will do the job just fine. And some brands offer a high spec for a relatively reasonable price, too – the North Face and Tog24 always put performance first, for example.

Olympic champion Breezy Johnson crashes out of super-G then gets engaged at end of course 12 February 2026 at 09:23

Olympic champion Breezy Johnson crashes out of super-G then gets engaged at end of course

The Guardian

By:Guardian sport and agencies

12 February 2026 at 09:23

American clips gate but given welcome surprise
US teammates witness event at end of course

Olympic downhill champion Breezy Johnson didn’t add to her medal haul during the women’s super-G on Thursday, but she left Tofane with something precious anyway: an engagement ring.

Johnson, who won gold on Sunday in the downhill, crashed out of the super-G after she clipped a gate with one of her poles, sending her tumbling into the safety fence. However, there was some consolation: her boyfriend, Connor Watkins, proposed to her near the finish line. Surrounded by members of the US Ski Team, Johnson said “Yes!” and the two embraced.

Italian renaissance: does ‘home-ice’ give Winter Olympic hosts a competitive advantage? 12 February 2026 at 08:01

Italian renaissance: does ‘home-ice’ give Winter Olympic hosts a competitive advantage?

The Guardian

By:Beau Dure

12 February 2026 at 08:01

With 13 medals through the first five days – surpassing their total at Turin 2006 – the Italians are the surprise stars of these Games. What’s different this time?

From Milan to Cortina and beyond, the star of the first Olympic weekend in Italy was … Italy.

The electric celebrations started Saturday in Bormio, close to the Swiss border, with a silver and bronze in the men’s downhill. They echoed a few hours later in Milan, where Francesca Lollobrigida set an Olympic record in women’s 3,000m speed skating for the host country’s first gold.