A splash of color in alpine skiing Lucas Braathen came back with a bang after a year’s break for the world cup tour.
He danced wildly at the end of October in Sölden in the ranks of his new country Brazil.
In the second round of the giant slalom, Braathen rose no less than 15 places, i.e. from 19th place to fourth. Only three old national team mates from Norway made it to the front.
When Braathen sat down with Levi on Urheilu’s torture bench, the 24-year-old alpine skiing star was immediately philosophical about the events of a few weeks ago.
After the comeback race in Sölden, Braathen has been thinking a lot with his family and therapist about growing as a person.
– This has been such a wonderful experience. I had never participated in such a competition before. I’m really proud of how far I’ve come, Braathen stated.
Braathen: The media didn’t tell the whole picture
A year ago in Sölden, the Alpine Skiing World Cup started with great fanfare, when Braathen announced that he would end his career at the age of 23.
The young alpine skiing star had been in conflict with the Norwegian Skiing Association over marketing and image rights. For example, he had participated in an advertising campaign for a Swedish clothing company, for which the Norwegian Ski Federation reminded its athlete with a fine.
In March, Braathen announced at a press conference organized by his energy drink sponsor that he will return for the season that starts now in the ranks of Brazil.
Braathen said he wants to get back to competing, representing the country that made him love the sport. Brazil is the mother country of the Norwegian star.
The Norwegian media commented on the solution strictly and was considereddoes Braathen really represent Brazil or the energy drink giant.
According to Braathen, there was much more behind the withdrawal from Norway than a dispute over commercial rights with the country’s skiing association.
– This was the package after all. I don’t think one conflict is big enough to lead to such an extreme decision in my life. The media has liked to make this a debate about commercial rights or not being able to sell some logos, Braathe’s platform.
– For me, this was about bigger things. The conflict was about the athletes being allowed to express themselves freely and be themselves without regrets or restrictions.
How has Braathen been able to express himself better with his solution?
Braathen talks about how he can now side-by-side “Lucas the athlete” and “Lucas just the person”. He emphasizes that now he can only be limited by himself.
– I was only allowed to be an athlete. And I couldn’t even be that the way I wanted. Now I can express myself as an athlete and as a person. I can combine these now, says Braathen.
Then he throws himself in really deep and wants more creativity in the sport.
– I see sport as art. We (as athletes) paint boards in different ways. Fans and the public are at the art exhibition. In order to make an impressive work of art, you have to make it yourself. I feel now that I can do it, Braathen describes.
Braathen needs to be victorious in order to achieve his goals
Braathen talks to ‘s TV camera a lot about his new self. What does he mean by that?
– The new me is the type that I and my therapist named me. It’s as an adult. It was born in the second chapter of my life. The new me is the kind of person who uses his full capacity for his purpose, Braathen describes.
The alpine skiing star says that now in the second chapter of his life, he has the purpose of inspiring and encouraging as many people as possible to chase their dreams.
– That is my biggest goal as an athlete. Everything I do is for that purpose. This is why the return race was very beautiful for me. I felt that it was the first time I calculated purely for myself and only for my own purpose.
Braathen is aware that for the goal of inspiration, he also needs results on the slopes.
– In order to inspire others, you have to be exceptional. Must be a winner. In order to be listened to, you have to win. The difference then comes in how to utilize the voting power they have received at the highest podium.
Braathen has clear goals.
– I’m here to win again. I will fight for the top fifteen first and then the top seven at some point. Then I can constantly fight for podium places and finally wins. At the same time, I want to be myself, Braathen plans.
Immediately in Levi, he plans revenge, according to his own words.
Braathen has not competed with Levi in the World Cup, because the men have not competed in the World Cup in Finland for five years. However, Braathen remembers Levi because he competed for the first time at the second level in the European Cup in slalom in Levi.
– It was a terrible experience. The starting number was something like 70. It was not a nice experience. It was really challenging. Levi’s slope is also challenging. I’m glad I get to try a little revenge now.
– This is still a slope that suits my skiing style well. I can generate power quickly and pull hard with a flat. The steep is long and flat. I like such challenges, Braathen describes.
Creative projects in mind
During his break, Braathen even Copenhagen Fashion Week was seen in a fashion show on stage. Now he says he wants to compete in alpine skiing for many more years.
At the same time, he would like to be involved in various creative projects, for example in the world of fashion.
After the end of his sports career, in the so-called third chapter of his life, Braathen currently sees many opportunities.
– I could dream of being a creative director for a brand. I could also be a brand designer or create my own brand.
– I have no idea what’s to come. I hope that I can build something unique from everything I’ve experienced. I just don’t know what it is yet.
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