Following his “retirement” last October, allegedly in a dispute over having freedom to work with his own sponsors, Braathen just announced his surprising return to alpine skiing for the 2024-25 season as a skier representing Brazil, since he’s a dual citizen of Norway and the South American country. 

Flamboyant and free-spirited, Lucas Braathen probably had a tough time living within the clean-cut, efficient organization and rules of the Norwegian ski team. He made his announcement of the switch on social media where he posted an image of himself with the Brazil flag and its signature yellow, green and blue colors.

"The time has come, Brazil. Let's Dance," Braathen wrote in Portuguese ahead of holding a news conference in Salzburg, Austria, hosted by one of his sponsors. The stage included a banner with his full name, including his middle name "Pinheiro." 

It will be interesting to see how Braathen plans and career develop next season, but even if his new found free spirit doesn’t bring the victories he hopes for, he might get some good media coverage early on… 

If history is any guide, it could be difficult to be a fun-loving, creative, outgoing, yet successful ski champion, especially if he’s got to fight on his own, on a one-man team. Marc Girardelli, Ivica or Janica Kostelić are examples of lone skiers that made it because they had committed parents-coaches behind them. 

Lucas Braathen might have much more on his plate to remain successful on skis, but that’s just my opinion.