Brazil wins first medal at Winter Olympics – 01/20/2024 – Sport

Zion Bethonico, 17, from Santa Catarina, won this Saturday (20) Brazil’s first winter medal, whether in the Youth Games or the Winter Olympic Games. He won bronze in the snowboard cross competition at the Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea.

After winning, Zion dedicated his medal to his older brother, Noah Bethonico. The medalist’s place in the competition, in fact, was won by Noah, who after qualifying turned 20 years old, the age limit to participate in the competition. Thus, the spot was inherited by Zion, who was the next age-eligible athlete.

“I dedicate my medal to my brother Noah, who was my difference. He was with me the whole time. During the competition, after all my descents, he got on the gondola with me, reviewing the route, trying to help me improve with each new heat. This medal is for him as he is the one who has always been closest”, said Zion.

To get on the podium, the Brazilian needed to recover after a discreet start. In the first heat, he came in third place. From then on, however, Zion won the remaining four races, earning 18 of the 20 points at stake.

Frenchman Jonas Chollet took gold and Canadian Anthony Shelly took silver.

To date, Brazil’s best result at the Winter Youth Games was Marley Linhares’ eighth place in the monobob at Lillehammer 2016. In the main version of the Winter Olympic Games, Isabel Clark had the country’s best performance with ninth place in snowboard cross in Turin 2006.