Tarjei Bø Announces Retirement

Tarjei Bø Announces Retirement

Originally published in NRK on January 24, 2025

Tarjei Bø has officially announced his retirement from professional skiing, making the decision public during a victorious moment in Anterselva, where he won the sprint race. The 36-year-old expressed that he wanted to step away from the sport while still at the peak of his performance, declaring, "I promised myself that the next time I stood on top of the world, I would announce my retirement. So now you know."

Bø leaves the competitive scene with a remarkable record, holding 15 individual World Cup victories, three Olympic golds, and a total of 11 World Championship gold medals. As he prepares to finish the current season, he looks forward to sharing these moments with his family, particularly with his young son, Aron, emphasizing that he wants to create lasting memories with them.

His current triumph adds to an illustrious career filled with outstanding performances, and he reflected on the bittersweet nature of this decision, saying it was essential to retire while he felt he was still among the best. "It’s a beautiful feeling to leave the sport like this, winning races; it's perfect timing to bow out."

Both Tarjei and his brother Johannes, who also shared his retirement plans recently, will not be participating in the upcoming Olympic Games in Italy. This significant shift in the biathlon landscape marks the conclusion of a memorable chapter for the Bø family in sports.

As Tarjei steps away, he acknowledges the loss felt by teammates and fans alike, highlighting the impact both brothers have had on the sport during their careers. His coach and surrounding community have expressed admiration for Bø's decision, recognizing the remarkable legacy he leaves behind as one of the most accomplished biathletes in history.