It’s a real earthquake in the small world of biathlon. Johannes Boe, indisputable world number 1 in the discipline since the retirement of Martin Fourcade, announced this Saturday that he will end his career at the end of this season. He said a few weeks ago that he planned to go until the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, in 2026, but after reflection he decided to hang up before this deadline.
“I think the time has come to give priority to my family,” announced the Norwegian, in tears, during a press conference organized at the last minute in Ruhpolding (Germany), where the 5th stage of the the World Cup. I had to continue for another year but participating in the Olympic Games demands even more, including for those around me. »
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Tarje’s little brother plans to enjoy his family. The revelation came during the truce, during the end-of-year celebrations spent at his home. “When I came home at Christmas and talked about it, I felt like it was the only thing to do,” he said. In 20 years, when my children leave home, I won’t regret this extra year. »
-Siegfried Mazet “shocked”
Johannes Boe had taken control of the biathlon since the withdrawal of Martin Fourcade, with whom he was fighting for the number 1 place, in 2020. He has won five of the last six big crystal globes (the Frenchman has won seven) , only beaten by Quentin Fillon Maillet in 2022. His immense record also includes five Olympic titles, 20 world titles and 88 World Cup successes, seven lengths from the world record. caption Ole Einar Bjoerndalen.
His teammates and members of the Norwegian staff were not in the know. They were only informed this Saturday morning, after breakfast. “Johannes told all the athletes and team members that he wanted to talk to us. He told us. I was completely shocked,” explained the team’s French coach, Siegfried Mazet.
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“I told him those were just good reasons. For me it’s the end of a magnificent story,” continued Mazet, very moved. Current leader of the general classification, Johannes Boe will certainly not want to retire without one last crystal globe and a few podiums at the next World Championships in Lenzerheide (February 12-23). And then? “My plans are not yet clear. I told my wife that even if I didn’t participate in the Olympic Games in Antholz, I still hoped to be there,” he smiled before leaving the press room to thunderous applause.
