Lucas Braathen shocked the alpine skiing world by announcing his retirement just two days before the start of the World Cup.
Anu Karttunen,
STT Sports
The Alpine Skiing World Cup starts this weekend in Sölden, but the Norwegian star Lucas Braathen drew the spotlight on himself on Friday with his shock announcement. Braathen, who won the slalom cup last season, said at a media conference in an Austrian ski resort that he will end his racing career – at only 23 years old.
– I can happily announce that I will end my career in the same place where I won my first World Cup competition. I feel happy for the first time in at least six months, and I feel free for the first time in many years, Braathen said.
Braathen has been in disputes with the Norwegian Skiing Association over marketing and image rights. Earlier in the fall, he participated in an advertising campaign for a Swedish clothing company, for which the ski association reminded its athlete with a fine.
The offspring of a Norwegian father and a Brazilian mother is known as a splash of color on the slopes. She could paint her nails for competitions and show up last in fashionable clothes. Braathen, who also uses his mother’s surname Pinheiro, also has his own jewelry brand.
Braathen did not elaborate on the reason for quitting, but said that he had lost the joy of alpine skiing. He said he made the decision a few weeks ago, but only told his teammates the night before.
On Thursday, Braathen said in an interview with the news agency AP that he considers winning last season’s crystal ball unforgettable.
– I also have to admit that I’m interested to see if I can ever make the season more special, he said.
Braathen, who made his World Cup debut in 2018, won five World Cup races in his career. He achieved three of these last season. However, he had to miss the World Championships due to appendectomy.
Braathen’s decision completely surprised the Norwegian Ski Association.
– This is sad news. I am sorry that Lucas made such a decision. At the same time, we can’t help but respect his decision, the president of the Norwegian Ski Association Tove Moe Dyrhaug stated.
Also competition director of the International Ski Federation Markus Waldner commented on Braathen’s decision.
– This is very bad news for us. He was like a machine in competitions, but at the same time he was a colorful guy. We need those on this tour. Hopefully he can resolve his differences with the union and come back. The door is always open, Waldner said.
Source: AP
will show the opening of the Alpine Skiing World Cup in Sölden, Austria on TV2 and Areena. The women’s giant slalom is counted on Saturday and the men’s giant slalom on Sunday. More detailed transmission times can be found here.