TV 2 reports that Braathen has called in a press conference on Thursday organized by Red Bull. The press conference will be held in Salzburg, Austria.
According to the press release from Red Bull, there will be a “media update on his skiing future” on Thursday.
Red Bull has also shared a message of its own websites.
“Lucas Pinheiro Braathen achieved five World Cup victories, eleven podiums, and became the world‘s best slalom rider in the 22/23 season, securing him the World Cup bullet. Now he will give an update on the future,” they write.
– I hope so
Kjetil André Aamodt believes Monday’s message can only be about two things for Braathen.
– It’s probably either that he’s going to make a comeback or it’s probably that he’s going to launch some business, says Aamodt to Nettavisen.
The 23-year-old shocked when, just before the start of the season this autumn, he chose to quit as an alpine skier. He had then been in a conflict with the Norwegian Skiing Association related to image rights and the national team agreement for the athletes.
Braathen has supported and continued to keep a close eye on alpine sports throughout the winter, despite his retirement. Several times he has been asked if a comeback is relevant, without giving a clear answer.
Aamodt is clear that he wants to see Braathen back as a performer in alpine sports.
– I hope that he starts skiing again. It would have been fun if he started with what he does best, which is skiing. It’s a real shame that he’s given up, so I hope he’s found that joy back and knows a little about it. He is a big profile and the sport needs that, says Aamodt.
– Is a possibility
Several have also experimented with the idea that Braathen can drive for Brazil, as he is half Brazilian. However, Aamodt is unsure how realistic that is.
– I do not know. I haven’t heard anything other than someone speculating about it. After all, he has a Brazilian mother, so there is a possibility. He has never said anything about it himself that he wants to drive for other than Norway. But who knows?, he says.
Aamodt hopes in any case that we will see Braathen back at the top level in the alpine slopes.
– He has spent his entire upbringing trying to become the best in the world in slalom. It’s a shame to give up so quickly. I believe that the way he has acted as an athlete shows that he is still fond of the sport. It would have been fun to have him back, he says.