The day before the Norwegian national biathlon season premiere at Sjusjøen, Johannes Thingnes Bø reveals his plan for him and his older brother, Tarjei, to retire at the same time. 

The brothers Johannes Thingnes Bø and Tarjei Bø have been on the Norwegian national team together for 12 years and have dominated biathlon for years. Now Johannes reveals that it’s not impossible they will retire simultaneously. 

After finishing second in the World Cup overall behind his younger brother last winter and having one of the best seasons of his career, many expected Tarjei Bø to retire. However, after much reflection with himself and his wife, he announced in April that he would continue his career for at least one more season. The 36-year-old is convinced he can still compete at the highest level and has ambitions to challenge Johannes. 

Johannes is now aiming for his third consecutive overall World Cup victory and hopes this will motivate Tarjei not to retire in April 2025. His dream is for both to end their careers together. 

“We’ve always had it like this in the family: the last competition we both race will be the one that counts,” the 31-year-old told Eurosport. He continues: 

“If Tarjei beats me this year, I think he’ll retire. So, I hope to stay ahead, so he chooses to do it one more year. You want good duels, and the best duels are with Tarjei. Those will always be the best memories of my career, the battles with Tarjei.” 

Johannes has long been clear that he intends to retire after the 2026 Olympic season. He admits he was both surprised and very happy when Tarjei decided to continue his career. 

Also Read – Thingnes Bø: “I’m going to beat Bjørndalen and tell my son that I’m the greatest biathlete of all time”

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Tarjei, however, is not making any promises. 

“I chose to take another season, and I’m enjoying it,” he says. 

“Last season went very well, and I’m still riding that wave. It’s amazing to be on the national team with your brother. He’s five years younger, but we’ve both been on the team for 12 years now, and it feels very natural. We’ll see how much more I have in me, but it’s never been tougher than it is now.” 

On Saturday, the two lined up together again at the starting line: It was time for the sprint at Sjusjøen, the first event of the Norwegian national biathlon season premiere. Johannes Thingnes Bø finished in 10^th place, and Tarjei Bø in the 19^th position.

Also Read: Sjusjøen sprint: Christiansen and Tandrevold lead the way

For the weekend, the start list is World Cup-worthy, with athletes from 12 nations registered, including several of the top international competitors. 

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