Johannes Thingnes Bø caused a sensation in biathlon with his announced retirement. It is still uncertain whether his older brother Tarjei will continue his career beyond the current season. However, the veteran now indicated that his decision has already been made.
“I know the answer, I know what I will do, but I won’t give any information now, at least not today,” Tarjei Bø told “Fondo Italia” after the biathlon mass start in Ruhpolding. The 36-year-old revealed: “But Johannes knows.”
His younger brother announced the end of his active biathlon career on Saturday. After this winter, Johannes Thingnes Bø is calling it quits, the decision came as a complete surprise to fans and observers.
He asked himself what was really important in life: “And for me those are two children. The joy of being at home with them is priceless,” said the long-time biathlon dominator, explaining his move.
“I have been part of the best national team in the world for 13 years. In the last six seasons I have combined top-class sport with family life. It has been fantastic, but also challenging,” Johannes Thingnes Bø previously wrote on his Instagram channel, according to him According to his own statement, he now feels like he has to “prioritize the family”.
Biathlon farewell to Johannes Thingnes Bø in Oslo
Tarjei Bø was informed about the decision earlier. “I’ve known about it since Christmas, but it wasn’t actually difficult to keep the secret, it’s something I’ve been doing for 15 years, I’ve known how it works since I first met a journalist,” he said Norwegian.
The 2024/25 biathlon season ends in March in Oslo, of all places. Johannes Thingnes Bø says goodbye to the home fans. However, it remains to be seen whether brother Tarjei will also compete in his last competitions.
The 36-year-old celebrated great successes in his career, including the overall World Cup victory in 2010/11, three Olympic victories and eleven gold medals at world championships.