– I abused cocaine to cope with everyday life and to be myself. I almost used it as self-medication. It was really destructive. Now I’m sitting here today and I’m just really happy that I got a positive doping test and chose to apply for help then and there. That is what an open-hearted Kevin Lindskoug says to SVT. It has now been ten days since he came forward in the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet as trans. VG later discussed the case in the Norwegian media. He turns up at the studio in high heels, long dark hair and has chosen to come out with his whole body. Photo: SVT Photo: SVT Photo: SVT The contrasts are great to the Kevin Lindskoug he was only a few months ago. He was then a professional abroad and goalkeeper in the Scottish club Glasgow Clan. He had ten years behind him as a professional hockey player and had visited ten different clubs outside Sweden’s national borders. Although this is the dream for many, this became a nightmare for the 32-year-old. LAST CHANCE: Kevin Lindskoug had a long career as a goalkeeper. Here from 2015 when he was a goalkeeper at the Swedish club Björklöven. Photo: ANDREAS L ERIKSSON / BILDBYRÅN – There is definitely incitement in hockey, but no one is talking about the problem. Are you talking about mental illness? No. Are you talking about being LGBTQ+? No. Substance abuse is also common, says Lindskoug. For him, the positive doping verdict on cocaine and the decomposing substance benzoylecgonine was the salvation. When the positive doping verdict came in July, he was banned from all sports for four years. At the same time, he made the choice to showcase the real Kevin Lindskoug. Because when he chose to come forward, the feedback started pouring in. A new start – I have received a lot of love and support. It is wonderful to see the support around my cause. I guess I never thought it would be as big as this, says Lindskoug to SVT. The interview with Aftonbladet was the start of a completely new life for the former hockey pro. Where he had previously hidden his own personality, he now chose to stand proudly in the newspaper. “KEVIN COMES OUT”: This was the headline of the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. Facsimile: Aftonbladet – Received tons of feedback Lindskoug tells Aftonbladet that he is not gay, and prefers to use the term “crossdresser” about himself. Lindskoug also refers to himself as “he”. – It really helps, especially if there are more people who want to come and talk about it. It has gone very well with me, says Lindskoug. – How has the support and love been? Where did it come from and how much? asks SVT’s presenter. – It’s a lot. I’ve gotten tons of feedback from people who are supportive and people who think I’m brave. I really hope that there are others who dare to do the same, he says. Praised by the hockey president – I think that’s the type of courage we should of course welcome with open arms. That is what Tage Pettersen, who is president of the Norwegian Ice Hockey Association, tells news. After reading the case about Lindskoug, Pettersen believes that it shows that there is room to be different in what is often referred to as a masculine environment. At the same time, he thinks it was sensational reading. – It is always painful to read that some people feel that they have to live a double life in order to be who they want to be. There must of course be room for one to be allowed to be exactly who one wants to be, also in situations with the team and in the hall, says Pettersen. TRIBUTE: Ice hockey president Tage Pettersen (left) awards ice hockey veteran Patrick Thoresen the gold puck before the private international ice hockey match between Norway and France in Sparta Amfi. Photo: Annika Byrde / NTB After he finished with the Scottish Glasgow Clan, the Swede says that he has taken several small jobs, including as a goalkeeper coach at Tegs SK Hockey in Umeå. When the final doping verdict came, he was banned from all hockey for four years. Then it was also no longer possible to have the job as goalkeeper coach. – I was incredibly happy to be a goalkeeper coach and at the same time be able to be myself in my free time, says Lindskoug and continues: – There are several mothers who have written that their sons are in a similar situation. It has been very cool to read, he says. Published 17.09.2024, at 06.48
ttn-69
– Didn’t think it would be so big – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
