Bø Rallies Back After Selection Snub: – I was the Only One Who Believed in It

Bø's Strong Comeback After Selection Snub

Tarjei Bø, a 36-year-old veteran from Stryn, was initially snubbed from the sprint and pursuit events. However, he made a significant comeback in the mass start, showcasing his undoubted talent. Bø was the only Norwegian to shoot perfectly in the first three shooting rounds, which gave him a significant lead heading into the final shooting.

Bø had not achieved 20 hits out of 20 shots in a mass start since 2013 and seemed poised to successfully do it again; however, he missed his last shot by a fraction. This opened up the competition for his fellow countrymen—Vebjørn Sørum, Sturla Holm Lægreid, and Johannes Thingnes Bø—all of whom needed to take penalty loops.

With a lead of eleven seconds over Germany's Danilo Riethmüller and seventeen seconds over Lægreid entering the final stretch, Bø was never in danger of relinquishing his lead and crossed the finish line in a triumphant solo victory.

After the race, an exuberant Bø remarked, “You probably didn’t think I’d do it! I was the only one who believed in it. Feels amazing!”

He admitted that while he was initially disappointed not to compete, he utilized that disappointment as motivation. "I felt a bit under the weather in December, but perhaps it was wise to take a break. Now I’m back with good legs!" Bø's victory marked his first individual win of the season.

German Riethmüller held his second position, finishing four seconds behind Bø, while Johannes Thingnes Bø delivered a strong final round, thus joining his brother Tarjei on the podium.

Apart from the stellar performance from Tarjei, other Norwegians also impressed. Lægreid finished in fourth place, followed closely by Martin Uldal and Vebjørn Sørum. The only disappointment was Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen, who had to take six penalty loops and finished in 25th place.