Bø on His World Championship Rival: 'He Likes to Hype Himself Up'

Swedish biathlon star Sebastian Samuelsson stated that at Anterselva he fired a scare shot at his rivals ahead of the World Championships. In an interview with Expressen, Samuelsson explained that despite normally struggling in high altitude, he managed a strong finish, climbing from 21st to ninth in the pursuit race on Sunday.

"I might be worse in high altitude, but I was incredibly strong at the end. This was a scare shot for everyone," Samuelsson said after the finish, adding, "I don't think I've ever felt so good before a championship—it’s fun."

When confronted with these remarks, Norwegian Tarjei Bø told Expressen, “Sebbe likes to hype himself up—that’s just how he operates. But we also see him when he’s uncertain; we’ve seen that several times this season.”

Bø further suggested that the forthcoming World Championships might feature tough battles, noting, "I think we Norwegians will have to fight him and a few of the French in the World Championships."

The World Championships in Lenzerheide are scheduled to begin in mid-February.