Johannes Thingnes Bø Retires: "The Time Has Come"

Johannes Thingnes Bø, 31, declares his retirement following the current season, sharing an emotional moment with the press in Ruhpolding. He acknowledges that while he initially planned to continue for another year, the demands of preparing for the Olympics in 2026 led him to prioritize family life over his sport.

Bø shared his feelings via Instagram: "After careful consideration, I recognize that the time has come for me to focus on my family, which is far more important than the Olympic games. The journey has been incredible, yet challenging as I juggled competitive sporting life with family responsibilities. I am looking forward to enjoying the last races of my career, especially at the Holmenkollen from March 20-23."

Throughout his impressive career, Thingnes Bø has captured numerous titles and accolades, demonstrating extraordinary talent in biathlon. With 88 World Cup victories, he ranks just behind Ole Einar Bjørndalen. His Olympic resume includes five gold medals, contributing to his reputation as one of the sport's all-time greats.

In his announcement, he revealed that he had contemplated his decision as early as before the current season began, emphasizing that family comes first. As the press conference became increasingly emotional, Bø noted: "It’s heavy for me to conclude this chapter. I've had a dream shaped since Tarjei became junior world champion in 2006. As I reflect now, I feel it’s truly time to say goodbye."

As he prepares for retirement, Bø stated the importance of dedicating time to his children, Gustav and Sofia. It’s clear that while he will leave the competitive arena, his influence and legacy will endure in Norwegian and international biathlon.

Bø leaves a monumental legacy in the sport, as the general secretary of the Norwegian Ski Federation, Morten Djupvik, remarked, “We are losing a legendary athlete who has become a major source of joy to our teammates and the community.”