Biathlon: Gaia Brunello becomes Brazilian
On Thursday evening, 22-year-old Italian biathlete Gaia Brunello posted a message on her Instagram account announcing that she had decided to change her sporting nationality. After taking part in several rounds of the Junior Cup over the last three winters in the colours of the Squadra Azzurra, she has effectively become Brazilian.
As with Alpine skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen a few months ago, the biathlon specialist is taking the nationality of her mother’s country.
“I decided to change nationality and represent Brazil because, despite my deep love and passion for the sport, the challenges of securing a place in a national group had become too much for me,” she later explained to Nordic Magazine.
She wants to take part in the 2026 Olympics
“I’ve always been an independent athlete, looking for new challenges, and this time I decided that my challenge would be to bring Brazil into the world of biathlon, she continued. My passion for this sport is so great, and I always have the desire to grow, to challenge myself and to give the best of myself. I believe that this new opportunity will enable me to pursue my dream with renewed determination. This change is a challenge that pushes me to grow and fight even harder.”
In a statement issued by the Brazilian Winter Sports Confederation, Gaia Brunello revealed her ambition for the coming months: to qualify for the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan/Cortina. “I dream of representing Brazil at the Olympics in my own country. It would be an unforgettable achievement and an important step in my career”, she admits.
