2023-10-27 16:24:02
Lukas Braten won the World Cup, but decided to quit the sport at 23. The officials brought it up.
Norwegian alpine skier Lukas Braten was considered a very promising slalom skier and had already made a name for himself by winning World Cup events. However, at the age of 23, the guy decided to end his career. He did not have any serious injuries or any health problems. It’s all about the conflict over… .
Should Braaten have signed the ill-fated contract?
On marketing grounds
Lucas emerged as a top alpine skier last season, becoming one of the leaders of the Norwegian team. The guy won three golds at the World Cup stages in Italy and Switzerland. This helped him win the small Crystal Globe in slalom and take fourth place in the overall standings.
Lukas Braten / Photo: © NurPhoto / Contributor / NurPhoto / Gettyimages.ru
But Braten achieved all his victories against the backdrop of tense relations with the national federation. Back in 2021, a conflict related to marketing erupted. Norwegian sports officials arrogated all rights to themselves and effectively deprived skiers of the opportunity to seek sponsors on their own. Because of this, some athletes refused to sign contracts with the national team – in addition to Braaten, the list included five-time Olympic champion Johannes Klebo and the leader of the national ski team Alexander Omodt Kilde.
The conflict flared up and then died down. It seemed that it could be resolved. However, things turned out differently for Braten.
Promoted competitors
This year, the Norwegian signed an contract with one of the famous Swedish clothing manufacturers and starred in a promotional video. The guy advertised ski equipment, including jackets and overalls. At first glance, there is nothing wrong with this – a popular athlete has the right to sponsorship integration.
However, the Norwegian Ski Federation thought differently. Swedish featuring Braten infuriated officials. It turned out that Lucas had established commercial relationships… with direct competitors of the company that finances Norwegian skis! His act became the reason for internal disputes and the search for those responsible.
Moreover, Braten had no intention of long-term cooperation with the Swedes. His father Bjorn publicly stated that the contract was for one commercial. But there was no stopping the Norwegian managers – they began to study the issue of serious punishment for Lucas.
“I feel free”
In the end it turned out the other way around. Braten did not want to wait for sanctions from the federation and took a step faster than his opponents.
On Friday, the skier held a press conference in Sölden (Austria) and began it with criticism of the management. He then said that he knew about the fine that had been imposed on him. After this, an extremely unexpected statement was made – Braten announced… his retirement!
– I’m leaving. For the first time in the last six months I am happy. Now I feel truly free. My life is too short to do something that doesn’t make me as happy as possible,” Lucas said, as quoted by TV2.
Lukas Braten / Photo: © Klaus Pressberger / Contributor / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru
Braten made an important decision last month, but announced it only now. On the eve of the press conference, he announced his resignation to members of the Norwegian national team. According to Lucas, his now former teammates gave him full support.
Braten emphasized that he was not taking revenge on anyone, and his decision was not a protest. In the near future he will decide on his future, but he already knows for sure that it will not include downhill skiing.
Lucas’s statements took the leadership of the Norwegian Federation by surprise. Ski area manager Klaus Riste was unable to immediately comment on the athlete’s departure.
Weigh risks more carefully
Perhaps the situation was a catalyst for Braaten, and the real reasons for ending his career are buried deeper. Maybe the guy is tired of constant flights, training and competitions. In this case, the reason for leaving was chosen very successfully – they say, they are tired of conflicts, they need to be closed, and preferably by a radical method.
Lukas Braten / Photo: © David Ramos / Staff / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru
But would he have made this decision if not for the scandalous collaboration with the Swedes? The athlete knew perfectly well what was going on in his federation, but still went into confrontation. Apparently, the champion’s dissatisfaction had accumulated over the years and resulted in the fact that he no longer saw the opportunity to work in such conditions.
In any case, Lucas is now completely free in his decisions. But the federation will have to decide who will replace one of the best skiers in the world. And most importantly, how to make sure that top athletes stop running away because of the greed and stubbornness of officials.
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