– It’s fantastic to be back at the show as a performer, not as an observer, says Braathen to NRK – after an emotional press conference.
– It feels like two lifetimes since I sat here last.
The international press flocked around Lucas Braathen at Thursday’s event in Sölden – 364 days after he retired at the same place.
He had to take a small pause when he got the floor. It became emotional.
For Braathen spoke about how he spent 18 years of his life realizing that he could not be liked by everyone and that he had lost himself in the struggle to be like everyone else. Now he no longer wants to appease those who don’t like him, but to be himself.
– I have so many to thank for the opportunity to sit here today and pursue my own dream, which is a huge privilege. I have a father to thank, a mother to thank. I have the rest of my Norwegian and Brazilian family who will finally get to see me on TV.
Upset Braathen: – Super sad
And at the moment, it is actually only the Brazilian part of the family who gets to see Braathen in action legally at the season opener.
– What can I say about that? It’s incredible. Norway, being one of the powerhouses in this sport, is not even the World Cup opener. One of the biggest races that happens every single year in the World Cup. It’s hard to believe, says Braathen, joking that one has to travel to Brazil to see it.
TEAM PINHEIRO: Lucas Braathen now races for Brazil. The race from Sölden is broadcasted there, but not yet in Norway.
Foto: Cornelius Poppe / NTB
For the rights to the race in Austria have not yet been sold. This upsets the Norwegian-Brazilian.
– It’s tragic. It’s super sad. I have a huge portion of my fanbase in Norway, says Braathen.
– What is really sad is that my comeback won’t be shown to the nation that I have been allowed to share so much with.
NRK has contacted the rights holder EBU for the latest updates regarding the rights, but has not received a response.
“Is that the crazy Brazilian?”
Alpine skiing plays a slightly smaller role in Brazilian society than in Norway, something he has already noticed in his encounters with the Brazilian press.
For example, they wonder how he will ski down the mountains instead of how his preparations in New Zealand went.
– For me, it’s possible to change something. Bring something new, so it was very interesting. I hope I can give Brazilians a belief that they can become whatever they want, no matter where they come from.
FULL HOUSE: NRK’s journalists had to find a place in the crowd on their way into the press event with the popular alpine skier.
He also mentions that he saw a video from a German journalist who had visited the iconic beach Copacabana and showcased a video of Braathen.
– Two people had no clue, but then the last one said: “Is that the crazy Brazilian who skis? That guy is crazy. I’m going to watch the Winter Olympics now,” Braathen laughs.
Braathen: – Wake up!
Now he is in a better place than he was a year ago. Back then, he said he wasn’t happy. Since then, he has left the Norwegian national team and built his own team, Team Pinheiro.
When asked if this marks the end of national teams and the beginning of factory teams, as Red Bull has been accused of creating, Braathen responds evasively. He will now race for Brazil, but with strong commercial players behind him, including the energy drink producer.
– I believe the only way for the sport to grow is to allow for greater differences. Right down to personality.
FATHER AND SON: Lucas and Bjørn Braathen attended the press event in Sölden.
Foto: Cornelius Poppe / NTB
– We are here because this is entertainment. I am a showman. You are naive if you think that skiing around a blue plastic gate down a mountain actually means something. Wake up!
The past year, Braathen has vacationed in Brazil, debuted on the catwalk, and developed his skills behind the mixing table as a DJ.
– I have been on this journey with Lucas since 2009. A lot of crazy things have happened in recent years. The last 13-14 months must have been the most intense.
On Sunday, Braathen debuts as a Brazilian national team athlete in the World Cup. The men’s season opens with giant slalom in Sölden.
Published
24.10.2024, at 13.48
Updated
24.10.2024, at 15.09