Biathlon legends Johannes and Tarjei Bö concluded their careers at the World Cup final in Oslo, marked by emotion despite not achieving a fairy-tale finish. Sebastian Samuelsson won the mass start event, while the Bö brothers received heartfelt farewells from fans. Johannes finished seventh and Tarjei 23rd, leaving behind remarkable legacies. Their final moments included reflections on their journey and a touching farewell ceremony, contrasting with a disappointing season finale for German athletes.
Emotional Farewell for the Bö Brothers at World Cup Final
The final race of the career for biathlon legends Johannes Thingnes Bö and his brother Tarjei was a mix of emotions, despite the absence of a storybook ending. Their last appearance at the World Cup final in Oslo was charged with sentiment, overshadowing Sebastian Samuelsson’s victory in the mass start event.
On March 23, 2025, the Swedish athlete secured first place, finishing ahead of France’s Eric Perrot and Norway’s Endre Strömsheim. Notably, Sturla Holm Laegreid clinched the small crystal globe in the mass start standings, having already bagged the overall World Cup title the day prior.
A Legacy Like No Other
While Samuelsson celebrated his win, the spotlight was undeniably on the Bö brothers, who bid farewell to their illustrious careers. Johannes Thingnes Bö, a record-breaking world champion, made some mistakes and finished seventh, while Tarjei, waving a Norwegian flag, crossed the line in 23rd place. The brothers were greeted with cheers from fans and fellow competitors at Holmenkollen, creating a memorable farewell moment.
Biathlon will certainly feel different without the Bö brothers. Johannes holds an impressive 23 World Championship gold medals, five Olympic titles, and multiple overall World Cup victories, a feat only surpassed by biathlon icon Ole Einar Björndalen. Tarjei, too, leaves behind a remarkable legacy with twelve World Championship titles and three Olympic golds, having significantly influenced the sport for over a decade.
In a heartfelt interview, Johannes reflected on their journey, stating, “It’s a great story that we are leaving this World Cup together. It has been quite a ride for us. And now it’s time to let it be and make way for the next generation.” During the farewell ceremony, both brothers were celebrated with crowns and a royal red cloak, with Johannes expressing, “This is the perfect ending.” He added, “We always said: When we stop, we want to do it here.”
Tarjei echoed his brother’s sentiments, sharing, “We are so lucky that the final is here at Holmenkollen. We will remember all of you for the rest of our lives. The World Championship 2016 here and today are life dreams that have come true. We made history here.” Johannes reminisced about past victories in Oslo and thanked everyone for the unforgettable moments, concluding their career with a touching farewell accompanied by a video and the song “Time to say goodbye.”
In contrast, the German biathletes had a disappointing season finale, with Roman Rees being the best performer in 15th place. Philipp Nawrath fell back to 20th after a promising start, while other German competitors struggled to keep pace. Despite Franziska Preuß’s success among the women, the men’s team faced challenges throughout the season, with only a few podium finishes.
As the biathlon season came to a close, the men’s race was marked by Emilien Jacquelin’s dominance. Despite Johannes Thingnes Bö’s aspirations for a strong finish, mistakes during the race hindered his performance. While Nawrath and Strelow initially kept up with the leaders, the race dynamics shifted as competitors faced penalties, allowing other athletes to take the lead. Ultimately, Samuelsson claimed victory, capping off a season filled with highs and lows.
Stay updated with the biathlon calendar for all upcoming events, from the World Cup in Kontiolahti to the World Championships in Lenzerheide, and don’t miss the thrilling conclusion in Oslo.