(Soldeu) Norwegian skier Lucas Braathen fought back tears after winning the men’s slalom season title on Sunday, finishing second in the final race of the World Cup finals.
The globe capped off an emotional campaign for Braathen, including two slalom wins and five podium finishes.
He also underwent surgery for appendicitis just before the world championships in February.
“It was a dream of mine all season and now it’s a reality,” Braathen said, holding the trophy.
“My globe represents a lot of dedication and sacrifice over a long period of time. It’s not just this year, it’s been every hour since I was nine and started skiing. »
Ramon Zenhaeusern held onto a first moto lead to beat Braathen by 0.06 seconds to win the race.
The Swiss, however, failed to overtake the Norwegian in the standings, remaining in third position.
Henrik Kristoffersen finished the race 0.63 behind in third place; in the final standings he finished second, 52 points behind his teammate.
Kristoffersen won the slalom title for the third time last season.
After completing his decisive run in the sun, Braathen leaned down and buried his face in his gloves, then looked up and made a V sign with both hands.
” I could not believe it. I knew it was possible, but against Ramon and Henrik in the second set, it was something, Braathen said.
“It was probably the longest slalom of the year and the conditions were among the toughest. I’m so proud of my second run. »
Braathen is the third Norwegian to win the slalom title after Kristoffersen and Kjetil Andre Aamodt, who won it 23 years ago.
