Lucas Braathen Sölden Press Conference: GEPA picutures

One year after his emotional retirement from Alpine ski racing, Lucas Braathen returns to the sport in Sölden, Austria. The 2023 World Cup slalom champion, who left fans stunned with his decision to step away, is now back. This time, he’s skiing for Brazil with a clear goal: “I did not come back to the sport to be anything else than the best,” Braathen declared in a heartfelt press conference.

A Different Path to Success

A new mindset drives Braathen’s return. His focus isn’t just on winning but on approaching the sport in a fresh, unconventional way. He believes embracing differences and doing things differently will set him apart from the competition.

“In order to become the best, you need to dare to do things differently,” Braathen said. He emphasized that his one-man team, supported by the Brazilian Snowsport Federation, thrives on this unique philosophy. “We encourage instead of looking down on differences. It’s the differences that create the wide range and the edge we can have over our competitors.”

A Journey of Self-Discovery

During his year away from skiing, Braathen reflected on his journey. He struggled to fit in during childhood, constantly adapting his accent, style, and interests to match those around him. Over time, this pursuit of acceptance took a toll on him.

“Eighteen years is what it took for me to realize that I can’t be liked by everyone,” Braathen shared. “I had lost myself in this desperate pursuit of being like everyone else.”

Taking time off allowed him to reconnect with his true self. A pivotal moment came when he spent time in Brazil, where he slowly rediscovered his love for skiing.

Rediscovering His Passion for Skiing

By January 2024, Braathen found himself watching World Cup races again. During this time, he realized how much he still belonged in the sport.

“I definitely realized that this show was meant to have me in it,” he said.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Braathen took the next step. During the World Cup finals, he visited Saalbach, Austria, where his peers warmly greeted him. French skier Cyprien Sarrazin embraced him and encouraged his return to racing. This support helped solidify Braathen’s decision to compete again.

Racing for Brazil

Now, Braathen is returning to the World Cup circuit and representing Brazil. This season, he will race under the Brazilian flag for the first time, and it holds special significance. His Brazilian-born mother and her side of the family will watch him race live for the first time, making his comeback even more meaningful.

“What I am is an athlete representing 200 million Brazilians in the sport of Alpine skiing, and that chapter starts on Sunday,” Braathen said confidently. “I’m not stopping until I’ve brought that flag to the very top.”

Braathen’s return to ski racing is about more than just winning. It’s a story of self-discovery, embracing individuality, and representing his roots. As he steps back into competition, he does so with a clear mission: to inspire others and push himself to new heights while skiing for Brazil.