Thingnes Bø Achieves Historic World Championship Feat: ‘It Means a Lot’

Originally published in Eurosport on February 15, 2025

At the 2025 Biathlon World Championships, the 31‐year‐old Johannes Thingnes Bø demonstrated his exceptional talent during the men’s 10 km sprint by taking full control of the race. With flawless shooting and excellent skiing technique in both prone and standing positions, he not only won the race but also set a new record by becoming the most decorated athlete in World Championship history. His victory marked his 39th overall medal at the Championships and his 21st gold, overtaking Ole Einar Bjørndalen’s legendary record.

Talking to Max after his historic win, Bø expressed his joy and pride in achieving this personal milestone. He credited his excellent ski conditions and rigorous preparation for his success, emphasizing how important the record was to him. This triumph comes during what has been announced as his final season in biathlon, making the accomplishment even more memorable for both him and Norwegian fans.

In addition to Bø’s performance, American Campbell Wright earned the silver medal and Frenchman Quentin Fillon Maillet completed the podium with bronze. With this event drawing to a close, both Thingnes Bø and his brother, Tarjei, have indicated that this marks the end of their illustrious biathlon careers on the international stage.