Johannes Thingnes Bö, hailed as the greatest biathlete, announced his retirement after this winter season to focus on family. Overcome with emotion during his announcement at the World Cup in Ruhpolding, he reflected on the strain of being at the top. His decision, a year earlier than planned, means he will miss the upcoming Olympics. With a legacy of 20 World Championship golds and 79 World Cup wins, Bö aims to secure one last record before stepping away from the sport.
Johannes Thingnes Bö Announces Retirement from Biathlon
Regarded as the greatest biathlete in history, Johannes Thingnes Bö is set to retire sooner than expected, prioritizing his family after this winter season. His departure opens up opportunities for other competitors at the upcoming Olympic Games.
An Emotional Farewell
During a heartfelt announcement at the World Cup in Ruhpolding, Bö struggled to maintain his composure while reading from his phone, tears streaming down his face. “This is really hard,” he expressed from the podium, as he wiped away his tears. This unexpected revelation marked the end of his extraordinary career, a decision he made after much contemplation.
Bö’s retirement comes a year earlier than he had initially planned, meaning that the next Olympic Winter Games in Italy will proceed without the five-time gold medalist and 20-time world champion. “I know I could continue to win with my natural talent, but I feel it’s time to step away,” Bö stated. He acknowledged the emotional toll of being at the top of his sport, saying, “It takes a lot from you and those around you.”
As he looks forward to spending quality time with his family, including his wife Hedda and children Gustav and Sofia, Bö shared, “The next races and points are not as important as family.” He celebrated his retirement with a touching photo of his children on Instagram.
Legacy and Records
Tributes from rivals like Martin Fourcade highlight Bö’s impact on the sport. “This decision shows that the man is even more inspiring than the champion,” Fourcade remarked. His teammate Sturla Holm Laegreid, who is closely trailing him in the overall World Cup standings, expressed gratitude for being part of Bö’s journey, calling him the GOAT: Greatest Of All Time.
Bö’s farewell press conference took many by surprise, as invitations were sent less than two hours before the event. “I want you all to know,” he said, reflecting on his recent performance in a relay event. Over his illustrious career, Bö has amassed numerous records, including 20 World Championship gold medals, tying him with Ole Einar Björndalen. He aims to secure the sole record in his final World Championship, scheduled for February 12 to 23 in Lenzerheide.
With 79 World Cup victories and a total of 88 career wins, Bö stands just behind Björndalen’s record of 95. His podium finishes in individual races number 135, with an impressive 88 wins. In 2023, he made waves at the World Championship in Oberhof, becoming the first male biathlete to win seven medals at a single event, five of which were gold. The venue was playfully nicknamed “Boeberhof” in his honor.
As he prepares for his final competition, Bö remains uncertain about life after biathlon but is committed to staying connected to the sport in some capacity. “In 20 years, when my children are grown, I will not regret this decision,” he concluded, underscoring the importance of family over further accolades.