Athena Makonnen
A smiling girl with braids sticking out from under her ski goggles instantly brings to mind Pippi Longstocking. But a closer look at her Instagram profile reveals that she is not just a storybook character—she is a real-life young alpine skier, representing an unexpected place: Dubai.
At just 11 years old, Athena Makonnen is already the English and British National Alpine Champion. When you watch her ski, you see determination, skill, resilience, and a strong enjoyment of the sport at a young age. But these qualities go far beyond the slopes.
Athena has also faced a serious heart condition, one that required strength and medical support far beyond her years. Despite challenges—and uncertain times in the Middle East—we are glad to see her back where she belongs: skiing, now on the slopes of Norway.
She’s already looking forward to the upcoming Lucas Braathen Race Camp, where she is a regular participant. And as her Instagram bio perfectly says:
“Your difference is your superpower…”
To learn more about this inspiring young skier, we spoke with her mother, Maria Makonnen.
How Did Athena Makonnen Start Skiing in Dubai?
Athena’s story begins in a place few would associate with skiing—Dubai.
“We are very fortunate that despite living in a hot climate in the United Arab Emirates, we have an indoor snow dome, Ski Dubai, just a short drive away from us,” her mother explains. It was there, at just three years old, that Athena first clipped into skis—and immediately stood out.
“During that very first discovery lesson, the ski instructor predicted that she would one day become a ski racer. It was clear she was a natural on skis and that she loved it.”
How Did Family Influence Athena Makonnen’s Skiing Journey?
What started as a fun activity quickly became something much bigger. Athena began taking weekly lessons and spent as much time skiing as possible.
“At that time, Ski Dubai became a sort of lifeline for our family during the very stressful pandemic period,” Maria Makonnen shares. With roots in aviation, the pandemic deeply affected their family, eventually forcing them to return to the UK. There, Athena joined Bowles Ski Club in Sussex, training on a dry slope—an environment that helped shape her early racing skills.
Skiing runs deep in the family.
“Athena was born into a family of skiers. Her dad used to race and has coached her since she was very little—and her grandfather still races from time to time.”
How Is Athena Makonnen Training Across Europe and Dubai?
Today, Athena trains with a British team based in Bormio, Italy, which means her life is split between Dubai and Europe. “While away training, she has the support of the team’s in-house tutor, who helps her stay on track with her schoolwork, provided daily by her Dubai school.”
Outside of skiing, Athena still enjoys a normal childhood. “She enjoys playing football and hockey, but she also really values her downtime—watching movies or doing what most kids do… spending time on her iPad.”
Why Does Skiing Matter to Athena Makonnen Beyond Competition?
For Athena, skiing is not just about competition—it is about connection with nature and the world.
“Athena loves being in the mountains, surrounded by nature,” her mother says. “She often takes photos of views she finds beautiful and wants to share with us. Being neurodivergent, Athena enjoys the quiet calm beauty of the mountains, finds comfort in the predictable nature of the sport and the intense focus it requires. She is also a perfectionist.”
Coming from a desert environment, these moments carry a special meaning. “One of the greatest benefits skiing has brought her is traveling to places that are in stark contrast to the hot desert city where she has grown up.”
How Has Athena Makonnen Overcome Health Challenges?
Among her achievements, one stands out above the rest. “Winning the English National Alpine Overall Champion title in Bormio in 2025 will forever be a memorable achievement,” Maria Makonnen says.
The context behind it makes it even more remarkable. “Athena had been struggling with an undiagnosed health condition leading up to the event, which made her quite ill. Getting through the training, the races, and then going on to win is a testament to her strength and resilience.”
At this stage of her development, experiences like this reflect both her ability to manage challenges and her continued progression within the sport.
What Does Athena Makonnen Value Most in Skiing?
Despite her success, Athena’s approach remains refreshingly simple.
“She’s just loving the journey right now—the skiing, the people she meets, and being part of a team,” her mother explains.
For the family, the goal is clear: to support her passion for as long as she enjoys it. Some of the most meaningful moments are not found in results but in shared experiences—like a family ski trip to Zell am See during Christmas 2021.
“After everything we had been through during the pandemic, there was a lot of uncertainty. Spending Christmas in the mountains was perfect—exactly what we needed.”
How Does Lucas Braathen’s Camp Impact Young Skiers Like Athena?
A big part of Athena’s journey is also the environment she grows in. One of the most inspiring examples is the Lucas Braathen Race Camp, organized through the Luci Foundation.
Founded by Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, the foundation focuses on making sport accessible to all children, breaking down financial barriers and creating opportunities regardless of background.
The camp itself reflects these values. Young skiers from all over the world come together not only for high-level training, but also for shared experiences—trampoline sessions, outdoor challenges, and direct interaction with Lucas himself. The next Lucas Braathen Race Camp will take place in early May at Snø in Oslo, Norway. More than just a training camp, it is a place where children build friendships, gain confidence, and feel part of a global community.
“Athena has such a fun time at the camps—it’s something she looks forward to every year,” her mother says. “Lucas engages with every athlete and truly cares about inspiring children to be themselves and follow their own path. He is an inspiration to those who don’t always fit inside the box—like my daughter.”
In many ways, that message mirrors Athena’s own journey—one defined not only by results, but by courage, individuality, and an evolving path within the sport shaped by continued experience and development.
About the Luci Foundation
Founded in 2021 by Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, the Luci Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to making sports accessible to children from all financial backgrounds. Its mission is to break down financial barriers and ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate in sport, build confidence, and feel a true sense of belonging.
“The most important value in sports is inclusion, and the Luci Foundation aims to help make that a reality,” Pinheiro Braathen said. “Unfortunately, inclusion is not a given for everyone. The cost of living, sports equipment, and club or organization fees are just some of the expenses that are rising every day. As a result, more and more children are being excluded from sports. That is not the future I want.”
About the Author: Darka Sefcik Starnova
