– I get emotional, says the 24-year-old.
– Here we are again. It feels like two lifetimes since we sat here a year ago, when I said I was leaving this beautiful sport. I have to say it’s incredible to be here. I get emotional. I know what I’m capable of. I will not stop until I stand on the top of the podium, Braathen said at a press conference in Austria on Thursday.
Many eyes are focused on the 24-year-old Norwegian-Brazilian before this weekend’s World Cup opening in alpine skiing. Braathen’s father, Bjørn, opened Thursday’s session before his son finally got the floor.
– It’s been a few hectic months, but it has been a fantastic journey. We are proud of where we are today, said father Bjørn.
– I am a person who has spent large parts of my life trying to please those around me to fit in. I became good at adapting. It took me 18 years to realize that I couldn’t be liked by everyone. I am an athlete who represents 200 million Brazilians. That chapter starts on Sunday. I won’t stop until that flag is raised all the way to the top, said Braathen before the comeback.
Also read: Norwegian TV viewers may be cheated
IN SÖLDEN: Lucas Pinheiro Braathen at the press conference on Thursday.
Photo: Cornelius Poppe (NTB)
– Means a little more
There are high expectations for this year’s World Cup opening in alpine skiing. In addition to Braathen, the legend Marcel Hirscher (35) is also making a comeback. Typically, it’s a full house in the small village in Tyrol, Austria, before each season. This year will be no exception.
– The circus in Sölden is certainly there. It’s one of those races that feels like it means a little more at the time, Braathen’s friend Atle Lie McGrath told NTB earlier in October.
A lot of the focus on the Rettenbach glacier will be on Braathen in the Brazilian colors.
Also read: Massive increase – blames Jakob Ingebrigtsen
Difficult starting point
24-year-old Braathen’s last result in the World Cup is a 2nd place in the season final in Andorra in 2023. That was 585 days ago. After that, a long break began before he called a press conference in Sölden a year ago, where he thanked for himself.
In March, he stepped out of a plane in a hangar in Salzburg and announced his comeback for Brazil. In Austria, Braathen faces a difficult starting point as he starts after the 30 presumed best in Sunday’s giant slalom.
– I don’t think that will be a problem. Time and again, we’ve seen that you can do well even with a high starting number, McGrath asserts to NTB.