After 15 years, Tiril Eckhoff ended her biathlon career in the spring. The 33-year-old now spoke about a possible comeback.
When asked at a press conference by Norwegian broadcaster “NRK” whether she could imagine returning to the biathlon circus, Eckhoff replied: “No, I don’t think so.”
A comeback is probably not ruled out, but it doesn’t seem very likely.
Eckhoff officially ended her biathlon career after last winter. After a corona infection, the ten-time world champion struggled with massive sleep problems.
Last season Eckhoff didn’t complete a single race.
“I was ill for a long time and it was a difficult time,” the Norwegian revealed to the newspaper “Verdens Gang” a few months ago about her ordeal in 2022. “I have never been as depressed as I was this year.”
“New phase of life” for biathlon icon Eckhoff
“It’s a new phase of life,” said Eckhoff, referring to her life without competitive sports: “In a way, you have to find out what gives me something in life now that I can imagine doing next.”
In a way, the Norwegian has “grown up” through her decision. “You have to make some adult decisions that people made when they were 20, but that I make ten years later. It will be a career change in a way,” emphasized Eckhoff.
The 33-year-old started studying management in the summer. “I’m getting a bachelor’s degree. Right now I’m working in human resources, which is interesting,” she said.
With ten world championship titles, two gold medals at the Winter Olympics and an overall World Cup victory, Eckhoff is one of the greatest biathlon legends of the past ten years.