– I am called “gay” from left and right in a negative way, although I may see it as positive. Perhaps wearing a garment that was once more for women than for men is not necessarily being homosexual, even if it is not negative, says Braathen about the comments he receives on social media. He has a number of pictures on social media where he is not wearing his ski equipment, but rather in civilian clothes. In the comments section, you can see that most people pay tribute to his style of clothing. He has also received a lot of attention in the media for his interest in fashion. Come with an Instagram shot But the Norwegian alpine set also receives several comments that are of a negative nature. FINGER DECORATIONS: Braathen had decorated his nails when he took third place in Schladming earlier this year. Photo: LEONHARD FOEGER / Reuters Last week he felt compelled to send a jab at the followers and users on Instagram, who come with ugly comments: – Can’t wait for all you guys to waste their time telling me that men don’t can go with a skirt, Braathen wrote on Instagram, together with a picture where he was wearing a skirt. – I probably trigger others because I come from a conservative sport – more than other sports. I think it’s fun. People think I’m too feminine, and that’s why I wrote the comment, says Braathen to news. TAKE NOTICE: Lucas Braathen served a jab at Instagram users who come with less pleasant comments. Photo: Lucas Braathen / Instagram Even he doesn’t want to just focus on his alpine career on a daily basis. That is why the leader of the slalom cup will also spend the weekday on other things – such as fashion. – I also get comments that I don’t focus enough on sport and that I don’t follow the “school routine” of an athlete, where you eat, train and sleep. It’s not for me. Skiing is the sport I spend the most time on, but it is only one of many interests. I couldn’t ski if it was my whole weekday, says Braathen. Gets support from McGrath One who follows him closely, both on the slalom course and in private, is his best friend and teammate Atle Lie McGrath. The two alpine profiles have stood side by side for a number of years. The latter smiles when news mentions Braathen’s interest in fashion. He is still not thrilled about the negative comments his friend receives on social media. – There will always be internet thets. It is easy to sit and report behind a screen. I think it’s badly done, says McGrath to news. WRINKLES ON THE NOSE: Atle Lie McGrath reacts to messages her friend receives on Instagram. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB He believes that Braathen’s interests outside the alpine circus are some of the most positive things about him. – Lucas does exactly what he wants and that’s what I love about him. He doesn’t care what other people think. I know that it doesn’t affect him, but it’s crazy when he tries to challenge the norms that he gets such things in his head. It’s never pleasant, but maybe unfortunately that’s a bit like it is when you can hide behind a screen, says McGrath. – It’s so bad Braathen is clear about what he thinks about being able to stand out in the crowd. – I see articles where I come out strongly against Jantelova, and that’s because it’s the most destructive things I know about. It sucks, says the 22-year-old. One must be able to say that it works. He leads the slalom cup ahead of compatriot Henrik Kristoffersen, and if he runs the slalom race in Courchevel, he will be one of the big favourites. The reason for the uncertainty is that Braathen had to be operated on for acute appendicitis just a week before the start of the WC. He still has a chance to run the slalom race on February 19, which is the last WC practice.
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