World Cup slalom champion Lucas Braathen of Norway announced his retirement at 23 on Friday, two days ahead of the first stop of the 2023–24 International Ski Federation (FIS) Alpine Ski World Cup.

"I retire. I told my teammates yesterday," Braathen said at a press conference. "I am a person that has always followed my own dreams and what makes me the happiest. And I'm never going to stop doing that, and I'm so proud of that."

Having made his World Cup debut in 2018, Braathen won five races, including two slaloms last season. He didn't participate in the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in the French Alps, Courchevel and Meribel in February because he underwent surgery for appendicitis.

"For the first time in at least half a year, I am happy after making this decision. For the first time in years, I feel free. And everyone who knows me, they know that if something leads me to happiness, it's my freedom," Braathen said. "I'm so grateful, though, to have been able to live this dream life of mine up until this point. Experiencing new cultures, people, places. And that together with the best group in the world, the best team. I'm so fortunate."

Braathen didn't specify why he decided to retire, but he has had long-term conflict with the Norwegian Ski Federation over image rights. After he took part in a photo shoot for the federation's clothing supplier without authorization recently, the federation said they would fine him.

"That culture I've been able to be apart of… it is something that will remain with me for the rest of my life, and that's priceless," Braathen said. "I'm going to go on my little journey on my own now to try to find out what my next journey is, and I'm so excited for that."

Claus Johan Ryste, alpine sports director of the federation, said he learned of Braathen's decision right before the press conference and called it a "complete surprise" to both him and the whole support team.

"I have found that there has been a reasonable dialogue with Lucas and his father in recent times," he said. "Now, we want to take care of Lucas and hope that he will be okay. At the same time, we also need time to support the other athletes and the support team."

Tove Moe Dyrhaug, president of the federation, called Braathen's retirement "sad news," but they respect that decision.