Once Retired at 23, Lucas Braathen Aims for a Larger Goal With His Unique Return at FIS Ski World Cup: “Here on a Mission”

As winter’s chill sets in, so does the excitement for the upcoming FIS Ski World Cup! This year, the buzz feels different, not only does it mark the start of a fresh season, but it also signals the return of some major skiing legends, whether they’re coming back from injuries or stepping out of post-retirement lives. That’s right! While rumors swirl about Lindsey Vonn’s potential comeback, there’s another skier joining the list of return stories. Any guesses? None other than Lucas Braathen! This ski sensation shocked the world by retiring at just 23 in October 2023, right before the season’s opening race in Sölden, Austria.

Lucas Braathen stepped away from skiing primarily due to a clash with the Norwegian Ski Federation over a clothing supplier. Norway has unique rules about marketing and image rights, which led to complications between two competing clothing brands tied to the national team. What started as a fashion conflict escalated into a showdown that ultimately led to his retirement! Fast forward to March 2024, and Braathen announced his comeback””this time, not just for Norway, but for Brazil! Fun fact: Brazil is the home country of his mother, Alessandra. Now, as he gears up for the FIS Ski World Cup, there’s an even bigger twist to his story. His return isn’t just about chasing the coveted crystal globe again””Lucas has a much grander vision in mind!

In a recent exclusive chat with the Olympics, Lucas Braathen opened up about the bigger reason behind his return. He said he’s “here on a mission,” but it’s not just about snagging wins or trophies. His real goal? To inspire others to go after their dreams, no matter what they are. He’s all about stirring things up in a world that sometimes feels a little too old-school.

For Lucas, the real magic in sports comes from diversity, and he’s not here for everyone being the same or fitting into a mold. Braathen thinks the coolest part of sports is how different athletes are””their personalities, their styles, and their stories. As he put it, “If we were all just as good skiers and we all look the same and we all talked in the same way, then would you ever watch a ski race? No, you probably wouldn’t.”

And Lucas doesn’t shy away from standing out. Whether he’s rocking colorful nails or sporting offbeat ski gear, he’s all about expressing his true self, both on and off the slopes. By embracing what makes him unique, Lucas sees his role in skiing as one that encourages others to be unapologetically themselves.

And he’s totally up for that challenge. For him, it’s not just about racing””it’s about leaving a real impact in a world he feels could use a little more individuality. And no doubt, Lucas is fully embracing his individuality, especially with his latest bold fashion move!

Lucas Braathen on the fashion slopes

Lucas Braathen didn’t waste any time after his retirement last year””he jumped straight into modeling! Just this January, he made waves at J Lindeberg’s debut show during Copenhagen Fashion Week, closing out the event in none other than Barbie pink ski pants, a slick overcoat, and yep, no shirt. While skiing and runway walks might seem worlds apart, they’ve got one thing in common: adrenaline. Lucas told Vogue he’s all about the thrill, admitting, “Those first seconds after exiting the show, you just can breathe out and you can just take it all in. That feeling is something I’ve been missing lately.”

This was Lucas’ first runway gig, but you’d never know. J Lindeberg’s head of design, Neil Lewty, described him as super confident””an athlete who’s got the look and isn’t afraid to wear pink pants with flair. When Lucas first saw his show outfit, he was all in. “I saw that I was going to be somewhat exposed,” he joked, “And I just thought, ‘I have nothing to hold back now!’”

Closing the show was a perfect fit for Lucas, especially since the vibe was all about blending sports and nightlife””ski-inspired looks with a party-ready twist. From leather ski pants to tech fabrics, the chalet-party aesthetic was spot on. After modeling for the brand’s campaign last fall, Lucas was fully on board for the show. Lewty summed it up perfectly, saying Lucas brought the energy and vibe they needed.“He’s our guy,” he said. With his background in sports and his newfound fashion flair, Lucas is making moves in style and set to bring it to the FIS Ski World Cup too!