Munich, 8 March 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Alpine ski star Lucas Braathen is returning to the World Cup after a year out but will race for Brazil instead of his native Norway due to a row with the ski federation.

The 23-year-old told a news conference in Salzburg on Thursday: "I am more than proud to represent the country in World Cups, World Championships and the Olympic Games. Let's bring samba back to skiing."

His mother is Brazilian, allowing him to make the switch. Brazil has no great ski heritage given the generally warm climate and dearth of large mountains.

Braathen had announced his shock retirement from the sport at the start of the season following a disagreement with the Norwegian Ski Federation over marketing rights.

He had won five World Cup races and the slalom discipline standings last season.

Braathen said that during his break where he DJed, made art and even modelled, he realized that he missed ski competition.

"I found it difficult to wake up every day and not be able to fight to be the best in the world," he remarked, adding that he discovered his love of sport while visiting relatives each year in Sao Paulo as a child.

He is now targeting a first ski medal for Brazil at the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy.

Brazil's federation head Anders Pettersson said that Braathen could be a "game changer" for the South American country in winter sports.

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