Lucas Braathen: Not a ski star like any other

Anyone who looks through Lucas Braathen's Instagram profile inevitably comes up with the question: Is this really one of the greatest skiing talents in the world? Or perhaps a model? Or even a movie star? The young Norwegian, who provides more than 80.000 fans with his snapshots on the photo platform, sometimes shows himself on the snow slopes, sometimes he looks professionally into the camera with exotic sunglasses. Sometimes he cruises through Paris on a bicycle in a flashy outfit, sometimes he looks serious in a suit. Braathen is authentic – and presents himself to his fans as he is.

He testified on Thursday that this is not just a social media facade. At the media day of the outfitter Atomic, which was attended by a lot of skiing celebrities, the technology specialist attracted attention. Wide pants that he felt like he could fit three times into, sturdy boots that were reminiscent of ski boots and fingernails that were painted blue. “I have an artistic streak,” says the curly-haired man with his friendly and at the same time mischievous smile.

Lucas Braathen (right) next to Manuel Feller at Atomic Media Day.

“In sport,” Braathen knows, “you grow up with a strict regime, with a strict system. It's not necessarily a culture that welcomes such things. It took me a few years to really feel comfortable, dress how I want, do things I want. Probably not every trainer will like my blue fingernails, but this is my path to success. My friends and family allow me to be me. And that’s just me.” Half Norwegian, half Brazilian, full-blooded skier Braathen is the son of a Norwegian and a Brazilian. The ski star also owes her his second surname, Pinheiro. He used to want to be a footballer, but then decided to indulge in skiing, which is more typical of Norwegian conditions. A decision that turned out to be absolutely right. Today the 22-year-old is one of the shooting stars in the World Cup. In 2020, Braathen triumphed out of nowhere in the giant slalom in Sölden, and last winter he set a world record when he sensationally won the traditional slalom in Wengen after finishing 29th at halftime. These are results that show: A new superstar is growing here. “My goal is to win the overall World Cup at some point,” Braathen doesn’t mince his words.

Braathen is a superstar of the future. © AFP / JURE MAKOVEC

The Norwegian is passionate about his sport. But he knows that there is life outside the ski slopes too. And so Braathen tried his hand at being a designer and launched his own collection a year ago in collaboration with a fashion label. The 22-year-old was inspired by “the golden era of ski racing in the 70s and 80s, when top athletes dressed and looked like movie stars,” according to his website. Shoes, sweaters, neck gaiters - it's all included.

Braathen has a penchant for eccentric fashion.

But Braathen is not just the ski star who creates enthusiasm with his crazy and carefree skiing style and dresses eccentrically. He is also a young man with vision. Someone who thinks outside the box and is already thinking about the future of skiing. When he talks about his greatest sporting achievement, he means his ski camp for children, which he first offered a year ago.

“I’m really proud of that,” said the young star, who supported the ski stars of tomorrow at this camp as a coach, tip-off point and also as a friend. “All proceeds go back to sport to help children realize their dreams,” assures the Scandinavian. It's clear: Lucas Braathen is everything but an ordinary ski star.

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Lucas Braathen: Not a ski star like any other

No matter whether on the ski slopes or outside: wherever Lucas Braathen appears, spectacle is guaranteed. The eccentric Norwegian brings a breath of fresh air into the World Cup squad - that recently became clear once again.

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