Pinheiro Braathen celebrated the achievement in truly Brazilian — and Pinheiro — style: with a samba dance on the podium, the Brazilian flag wrapped around his waist and cowboy boots on his feet.

Originating from the Angolan word "semba," meaning "invitation to dance," samba is the dance of Brazil's Carnival. Samba was born in the 17th century in a popular meeting spot for Afro Brazilians.

Competing with a Brazilian flag tied around his waist and his first Alpine Skiing World Cup medal proudly hanging from his neck, he celebrated by dancing samba in Beaver Creek, Colorado.

At the Brazilian bar ALVORADA (Kichijoji Honcho 1-chome) on Sept. 30, pulses were racing as Japanese dancer Saaya Suga, 33, performed samba decked out in a gorgeous costume in a tiny space.