Germany’s former superstar Laura Dahlmeier sees several reasons for Johannes Thingnes Bö’s impressive dominance at the 2023 Biathlon World Cup in Oberhof.
Five starts, five gold medals: Johannes Thingnes Bö is unbeatable at the Biathlon World Championships in Oberhof and is in a league of his own.
The individual, the sprint and the pursuit went to the 29-year-old Norwegian. Together with Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold, Marte Olsbu Röiseland and Sturla Holm Laegreid, Bö also won the mixed relay and in a duet with Röiseland the single mixed relay.
In the mass start and the men’s relay, the five-time Olympic champion can look forward to more titles until the end of the competition.
Laura Dahlmeier, whose own résumé adorns at least seven gold triumphs at biathlon world championships, sees the external conditions in Oberhof as a factor in Bös’ downright uncanny superiority over the competition.
“The conditions are extremely demanding, the route is deep. As a good runner, you can play to your strengths even better there. That’s why it suits him that it’s so dull and such a deep run,” explained the 29-year-old “Sport1”.
Biathlon World Cup: “Luck” for Johannes Thingnes Bö with edge hits
Dahlmeier also sees an advantage for Bö in terms of material. “As a top athlete, he gets the best material from his ski company. They try to provide all athletes with really good material, but the skis are not exactly the same,” said the double Olympic champion from Pyeongchang 2018 , who ended her career in 2019. Norway’s service staff is also “great”, praised Dahlmeier.
In her opinion, Bö had the momentum on his side several times in Oberhof. “He’s been lucky with one or two shots. There were a few edge hits. Maybe he’ll run out of it at some point, but I don’t wish that on him,” said Dahlmeier.