PHOTO: Bildbyrån
William Poromaa was a great success last season.
But also received a lot of criticism for the forbidden gesture.
– There was quite a lot of anger, says the 22-year-old to SVT Sport.
Last season was the big international breakthrough for William Poromaa who took the final step from promising talent to medal winner in the WC. The 22-year-old made a big impression during the World Cup, but the highlight was of course the World Ski Championships earlier this year.
Success in the World Ski Championships
The Swedish men’s national team came to the world championship with little hope of succeeding in winning a medal, as they had been completely medalless for several years. But with Poromaa in the team, a blue-yellow hope for change was raised.
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But it would take until the very last day and the last race to make the dream come true. With maximum tension and a sprint showdown against the teammate Calle Halfvarsson William Poromaa managed to clinch the WC bronze in the five mile.
READ MORE: Here, Frida Karlsson and William Poromaa are reunited again – in pure joy: “It’s super fun”
Poromaa’s gesture
His first senior medal in his career and the tears took over after the finish. But before that, Poromaa had been subjected to harsh criticism after his inappropriate and ugly gesture in the World Cup.
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It was in connection with the men’s relay that William Poromaa lost it in the middle of the disappointment after a sixth place. The 22-year-old pointed his middle finger at SVT’s camera and the picture sparked an irritated debate.
– There was quite a lot of anger, he says of his own feelings at the time.
Praises: “Just right”
Now Poromaa reveals the truth about why he extended his middle finger and pointed “fuck you” at Sveriges Television.
– Yes, it was probably not my smartest move. What I thought then and there was that I was relieved that there were cameras where we changed. But I thought it was a TV camera, so I thought if I show my finger, he’ll just take the camera away and it’s cool. Then they don’t cut in these pictures when we’re standing here changing and looking grumpy, he admits in an interview with SVT Sport, see the video below.
– But then it was a reporter instead, so then it was a bit of a gamble. But it is what it is. Many dislike it, but many like it. That’s how it happens sometimes.
READ MORE: William Poromaa reveals the big dream – the WC hero’s honest confession: “It would be absolutely wonderful”
After Williams’ confession about what really happened, he is now being praised on Instagram, where the interview has been posted.
“Full understanding, the changing is probably completely unnecessary to film”, writes one user in the comment field.
“I think he did exactly the right thing,” writes another.
“Haha, more like that. He is the new Petter Northug,” writes a third.
How do you think it will go for William Poromaa next season? Share the article and have your say!
Watch the video: