The young Norwegian World Cup Slalom Champion Lucas Braathen has announced his retirement at the age of 23.
Braathen burst onto the World Cup scene five years ago aged just 18 and took the World Cup Crystal Globe in slalom last winter.
However he has talked in the past about being unhappy at times as a result of his fame.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the new alpine skiing season due to be in tomorrow in Solden Braathen said he had advised bis team mates of his decision yesterday and said,
“For the first time, after my decision, I feel happy.”
“There was nothing like that feeling of coming down, crossing that finish line and a lifetime worth of work getting realised and getting to share that moment with all the fans that have showed up, and just screamed at you with all their energy and their love,” Braathen added, continuing, “That is something that I will be missing so much. For me, at the end of the day, sports is entertainment. And what I’ve been trying to do ever since I came to this place was to put on a show and I’m proud of the show that I’ve been able to put on. But unfortunately, for my own sake, I’ve done my fair share now.”
(Pictures credit Red Bull)
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