EXIT NORWAY: Lucas Braathen (23) continues his career, just months after he went out against the Norwegian Ski Association. Photo: LIONEL BONAVENTURE / AFP / NTB
Lucas Braathen (23) returns as top alpinist and replaces Norway with Brazil, VG is informed.
Tuesday 5 March at 17:47
It happens just months after the alpine star announced that he chose to retire.
With tears in his eyes, the 23-year-old said that he had lost the joy of skiing. The background was a harrowing conflict with the Norwegian Ski Association.
But now VG is experiencing – in equality with TV 2 – that Braathen is making a comeback.
So it happens for Brazil.
Lucas Braathen, with a Brazilian mother, has dual citizenship.
The 23-year-old has called in a press conference in Salzburg, Austria on Thursday morning. Red Bull has its base there. The giant company has close ties to just Lucas Braathen, as well as many of the world‘s top alpinists.
The parties have kept their cards close to their chests lately. But from what VG understands, there has been a dialogue between the parties about the release of the ski license in the last 24 hours.
It is required for the 23-year-old from Hokksund to be able to change “nationality”.
– In order for me to continue skiing in this system, I must not just put my dreams on the shelf. I also have to put my joy on the shelf. I am not willing to do that. With that said, I am happy to announce that at the place where I won my very first World Cup race, I am retiring. I’m done, Braathen said at the press conference at the end of October.
It is expected that the top alpinist will have completely different commercial freedoms in Brazil than what the Norwegian Ski Association has been able to offer him.
DAD: Bjørn Braathen is an important supporter for his son. Photo: Bjørn S. Delebekk / VG
Father Bjørn Braathen has not answered VG’s inquiries in this case. The son has been dependent on the Norwegian Skiing Association releasing his licence.
– We do not want to say anything at this time, but refer to the press conference that Lucas has called, wrote communications manager in the ski association, Espen Graff, in a text message to VG on Monday.
– Why don’t you want to comment yes or no on whether the license has been released?
– We do not want to comment on anything until Lucas has held the press conference, Graff said then.
The Ski Association stated on Tuesday that they “unfortunately have nothing to announce” beyond Monday’s comments.
HAPPY: Viaplay expert is looking forward to seeing Lucas Braathen back in the arena. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB
Alpine legend Kjetil André Aamodt receives the news with pleasure.
– It is very gratifying that he wants to ski again. For me, it is not that important whether he drives for Brazil or Norway, really. I think it’s nice that he is passionate about what he has trained all his life for, being a slalom racer. I warmly welcome him back to the circus. I’m looking forward to seeing him again, says Aamodt to VG.
– What comeback do you expect?
– He is among the best in giant slalom. He can be just as good as he was. He can win the slalom cup and challenge Marco Odermatt, says Aamodt.
He points out that Braathen will probably get starting number 31 at the beginning of the comeback, which will be a disadvantage.
– But as good as he is, it doesn’t have to matter – but it can be a challenge at the start.
FIS’ rules for changing countries of representation
- FIS’ license year begins on 1 July and ends on 30 June of the following year. This means that Lucas Braathen cannot possibly represent Brazil until next winter. Applications to change nationality for the next license year must be submitted before 1 May.
- The athlete must attach the citizenship/passport for the country they wish to switch to. It requires a written agreement between the former union and the new union. The transfer also requires approval from FIS’ executive board.
- If Norway approves a possible license transfer to Brazil, Braathen will keep his FIS points. The FIS points function as a kind of ranking system, and give Braathen the opportunity to start earlier in slalom, which is an advantage, for example.
- Should Norway not release Braathen’s license to Brazil, he will need a new license.
Source: FIS.
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