In the last week of October, Lucas Braathen made a bold promise to bring Samba to the slopes. In a press conference in Salzburg, Braathen made it official: he was back on the World Cup circuit—but this time, he’s racing under the Brazilian flag, not the Norwegian one. “The fact that I am bringing the Brazilian flag to World Cup ski racing, a sport this amazing country has yet to be represented in, feels like a true representation of my mission of creating a difference,“ he said. A bold move! He had the option to continue racing for Norway’s powerhouse team, but he chose to break away and join Brazil’s national skiing squad instead. The risk is huge, but so is the potential for something revolutionary. So, how’s his first day at this new “office” been?

Let’s rewind to last year when Braathen made the shocking decision to retire from alpine ski racing in October, leaving fans puzzled but not entirely surprised given his phenomenal success. His reasons? The pent-up frustrations with him in the Norwegian skiing camp. But that wasn’t the end of his story. Fast forward to March of this year, and Braathen shocked everyone again, announcing his return to the sport—but this time, with a twist: he would race for Brazil. Thanks to his mother’s roots, he holds dual citizenship. With his sights set on making his comeback at the World Cup in Sölden, Austria, it was bound to be an emotional rollercoaster.

On the penultimate day, Braathen started expectedly with a fiery pace on the slalom. Because of such lightning speed, he once took the top position. However, with the afternoon advancing, the Norwegian-Brazilian finished his race in fourth position. And guess who took the first three ranks? His three former Norwegian teammates. That caused him to face a chunk of emotions. He could see his entire year-long journey in front of his eyes in carousels.

In his interaction with Brian Pinelli of Powder magazine, the youngster disclosed those emotions. He elaborated, “I don’t really know to explain that–moments like that are indescribable. Words can never describe the emotions. It’s a package of so much pain, so much sacrifice, of a roller coaster of a year trying to and who I am.” Along with that, he promised something. 

Finishing in the fourth position may have left an unfulfilled place in the flamboyant ski racer’s heart. So he came back with another statement. This time he added, “I’m so proud of what I achieved today and I hope I will get to do lot, a whole lot more.” That may feel most expected, as Braathen had to digest his defeat from his old skiing mates.

Further, his defeat came at an emotionally ripe moment. So, a fightback is the most expected thing to make a place on the cards. But isn’t he fighting already since he has left the Norwegian ski racing camp? Lucas Braathen has had many things to add regarding his emotional run in the past year. 

Lucas Braathen had the chance to experience the emotional rundown 

On October 27, Lucas Braathen appeared in a press conference with a sad face. That had been unexpected for someone who is a believer in life. However, in the press conference, the teary-eyed ski phenom said, “I’m done. For the first time in my career, I feel free.” But what led him to make such a decision at 23? Braathen didn’t spill anything. But he hinted at bigger things. In the press conference, he said, “In order for me to continue skiing within this system, I had to not only put my dreams aside but also my joy of living. I’m not willing to do that anymore.” So was there any conspiracy that forced him to take the hurried call? Nobody knows. But Lucas Braathen had already chosen his path. Guess. 

However, the cameras didn’t follow him that much after Lucas’s exit from the skiing scene. That may have been a positive side for him. Why? After his retirement, Braathen wanted to stand bigger than his ski racer tag. That could have been possible only if he would have explored himself. And he did that. In his interaction with Olympics.com, the former Slalom World Cup disclosed that segment. “It’s been a rollercoaster of a year. It’s been exciting. It’s been intimidating. It’s been nerve-wracking, but exciting. It’s been everything,” he said.

Not just that, he kept on adding, “It’s been a year filled with so many different impressions and experiences, and me allowing myself to explore who I am, my other interests and curiosities outside of the sport of skiing, on a pursuit to find out where my next platform is to make my difference.” It had a positive impression on him. 

After some serious soul-searching, Lucas Braathen made his comeback to ski racing—but this time, it’s strictly on his own terms. His mission? To not just race but to bring the sport to Brazil and anyone else who dreams of carving their way into the world of ski racing. It’s a bold move, and it’s clear he’s in it for more than just medals. But will this new path lead him to the success he’s hoping for? What’s your take on Braathen’s daring journey? Let us know!