Lucas Bratheen: "I want to encourage people to follow their dreams."

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen remains loyal to Reusch racing gloves for his return to the World Cup. The team from The Glove Specialist met him for an exclusive interview.

Reusch: Lucas, you’ve visited many places, and many countries this summer. How do you find being on the road so much?

Lucas: To be honest - I love it. 
For me, there's nothing better than constantly seeing and experiencing new things and being inspired by what surrounds me. I get to convert the inspiration I experience on my journey into creative projects and sporting achievements that can hopefully inspire others. I find that to be the most beautiful thing about my lifestyle. 

You will be competing for Brazil in the coming World Cup season, and will perhaps win the first World Cup for the country. What made you take that step and change teams?

It wasn't an easy decision to leave my Norwegian team, to stop training with the people I've spent so much time with since I made it to the national team at age 18. Imagine all the things we've experienced together! But at the end of the day, it was the right decision for me.

I have worked all my life towards my dreams, and I had to make this change in order to stay on that path. I am here to make a difference that goes beyond skiing, and I am content with the fact that I am going to be hated and loved for it. I want to stay true to who I am, and it is up to others to either like or dislike it.

Brazil is where I was introduced to my love for sports - playing football in the streets of São Paulo with my family, friends and neighbours. I now have the chance to bring the Brazilian flag to the top of the podium in a sport where they are yet to be represented. I feel like this opportunity represents my biggest goal, which is to inspire and encourage people to dare to follow their dreams, no matter where they are from, or what they look like. I take big pride in my mission, and I will do anything in my power to achieve the success that I seek, to make a difference. 

How has Brazil, a country better known for soccer, influenced your skiing career?

As said, football back in São Paulo with friends and family is what introduced me to my love for sports. It showed me the true love of sports, which is having fun whilst trying to become a better version of yourself every time you step back on that court - or in my case now, the snow. 
 
Lucas not only fills his free time with travelling but also finds the time to pursue numerous creative projects. He faces the pressure of competitive sport with an inspiring lightness and even seems to draw strength and creativity from it.
 
You are known for expressing yourself through your style. What does fashion mean to you?

For me, sports in its purest form is art. It is a space for me to express myself. The creative world becomes the people that I escape to, in order to maintain the balance in life that I have found to work for me. The contrast is the fact that it is subjective, and I am not measured on hundredths of seconds, statistics, and data. There are no rules, limitations, or restrictions. It is a perfect playground to show who you truly are and to challenge people to think differently. That excited me. 

Talking of racing, how do you cope with the pressure of competitive sport?

I have many coping mechanisms to handle pressure. Some are effortless, others are taught. I find it to be the worst, yet one of the most beautiful aspects of sports. It is an indescribable feeling, that only so many people can overcome, and perform in front of tens of thousands of people when it really matters. This is what makes sports art, and I only try to approach it with constructive and loving energy.  

What is your biggest goal in skiing?

My biggest goal is to encourage others to dare to follow their dreams, whatever that dream is. I want to share my theory of success and happiness and prove it by winning. That is how I can make a difference. 

A little tip for everyone who’s watching the Worldcup races: look closely at my gloves!

#BETHEONE