Norway’s skiing hope Lucas Braathen caused a surprise shortly before the first race of the season – and called it a day. Most recently he had a clash with the local association.
The Norwegian ski racer Lucas Braathen surprisingly announced the end of his career shortly before the start of the new season. He was finished, said the 23-year-old at a specially called press conference on Friday in Sölden. The men’s first giant slalom of the winter takes place there on Sunday (10 a.m. and 1 p.m./ZDF and Eurosport).
Lucas Braathen got into a dispute with the Norwegian Ski Association
Braathen recently clashed with the Norwegian Ski Association in a dispute over marketing rights. The technology specialist had carried out a controversial advertising stunt for a fashion brand – and apparently without the association’s approval. He then threatened the 2020 Sölden winner and best slalom driver of last season with a fine.
After making his decision public, Braathen said he was happy for the first time in more than six months. For the first time in years he felt free. He informed his teammates on Thursday evening about the step he decided to take several weeks ago.
However, he is “not giving up in protest because I’m vindictive or bitter,” said the extroverted Braathen. He was recently one of the most colorful figures in the ski scene and one of the Norwegians’ greatest hopes for the next few years.
It was a “sad day,” said Norwegian sports director Claus Johan Ryste later. Braathen’s move “surprised” and also “somewhat shocked” the association. According to an association spokesman, Braathen had already left Sölden at this point. Former ski racer Felix Neureuther is also sad about Braathen’s end to his career.
Felix Neureuther “would marry him”
The former professional athlete made the Norwegian ski racer Lucas Braathen a strange, but of course not serious, offer after his surprising retirement. “If it’s because of the association, I would marry you and then you can start for Germany,” the 39-year-old jokingly wrote on social media on Friday. “My wife would be completely okay with that.”
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If Braathen doesn’t want this, the family could adopt him, added his wife Miriam Neureuther. Another child would be great, says the former top biathlete.
Source: Stern
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