Industry News
Norwegian ski racer Lucas Braathen has surprisingly announced his retirement from competitive skiing at only 23 years of age. He made the shock announcement during a press conference as well as on his social media channels and states he feels happy after making the decision. During the press conference, the skier said, “I’m done. For the first time in my career, I feel free. For me to continue skiing in this system, I not only had to put my dreams aside, but also my happiness. I’m not ready to do that. That said, I’m happy to announce that at the place where I won my very first World Cup race, I’m retiring. I’m done. “
Lucas Braathen entered the FIS Alpine World Cup circuit at only 18 years of age in the 2018/19 winter season. In his short career, the Norwegian tech-specialist podiumed a total of 12 times, including five victories. After a strong season last winter, the Norwegian won the prestigious Slalom FIS World Cup Crystal Globe.
The surprising announcement came just one day before the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup opener in Sölden, Austria. Braathen had won the Giant Slalom in Sölden in the 2020/21 season.
Braathen had recently clashed with the Norwegian Ski Federation over a marketing campaign with Swedish ski clothes manufacturer J. Lindeberg. Norwegian athletes do not hold their own marketing and image rights but rather had to sign those over to the Norwegian Ski Association. The Norwegian Ski Association has a contract with Helly Hansen, a Norwegian ski clothes manufacturer. The decision to model for J. Lindberg was seen as provocation by some. Whether his retirement is due to this conflict with the Norwegian Ski Association is unsure.
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen will be sorely missed on the World Cup circuit. Aside from his obvious talent, the Norwegian/Brazilian athlete was one of the most colorful personalities on the World Cup slopes. Never afraid to express himself in his very own way, the young athlete stood out with his individuality and unique fashion style.
“You’re gay!” “That’s so gay!” “Why are you so feminine?” “You should focus on skiing, not your clothes!” My social media accounts are full of that kind of comment. But they come from people who don’t know me personally. They have no idea who I really am, so they can’t offend me either. Secretly, I even enjoy reactions like theirs. They are proof that I trigger something in those people. I light a spark.
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen
The Red Bull athlete would often paint his nails in all colors of the rainbow or share pictures in extravagant outfits. He was never afraid to be who he is and share his sometimes controversial fashion choices on social media. Sometimes this would cause a backlash, with rude comments attacking the athlete over his extravagant outfits.
“I hope that way I can be an inspiration to someone. A boy who wants to paint his nails might finally dare do it, just like I do. A boy who wants to dress in a feminine way may actually dare to do so. Or he takes a certain political stance, even if the people around him don’t share his opinion. The sports world is often very conservative, strict, confining. I’m not strong enough to rid us of these shackles on my own, but if I can serve as something of an inspiration to make the sport a little more tolerant, colourful and diverse, that would make me much happier than any sporting victory.”
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen
The ski world will certainly be less colorful and less competitive without Braathen and we hope that maybe there could be a comeback on the cards. The world needs more athletes who are unafraid to challenge the status quo and to be exactly who they are.
We wish you all the best in your future, Lucas, never change who you are!
