Norwegian biathlete Johannes Thingnes Bö in the pursuit race at the World Championships in Oberhorf, February 12, 2023.
Oberhof (Germany) – Norwegian biathlete Johannes Thingnes Bö has so far confirmed on world championship in Oberhof, the role of favorite, but after three triumphs so far, he admitted that he is not thinking about a possible attack on the record seven gold medals. Before the next races, he has set himself the goal of succeeding in the men's relay, in the other disciplines he will face tough battles. The World Cup leader also received praise from his rivals.
Advertisement'; }
Photo gallery: Biathlon WC in Oberhof
“My dream is to have a beautiful wife and a handsome son. That has already come true, so I'm fine,” Bö said at a press conference. “I would like to win another gold medal. We will certainly try for it in the relay. But it will be very challenging in the next races,” added the twenty-nine-year-old biathlete.
The five-time Olympic champion has won gold in the mixed relay, sprint and pursuit races so far in Oberhof. At the end of it, he allowed himself a celebratory gesture. He stopped just short of the finish line, got down on one knee and pointed a finger at the fans. “I enjoyed it. I expect that I won't have this opportunity in the next races,” said the fifteen-time world champion with a smile.
For men, the record for the number of four gold medals at one World Championship is held by Frenchman Martin Fourcade (2016) and Norwegians Emil Hegle Svendsen (2013) and Ole Einar Björndalen (2005, 2009). Bö achieved a similar feat at the World Championships in Östersund four years ago.
The German Laura Dahlmeierová (2017) and the Norwegian Marte Olsbuová Röiselandová (2020) won one more gold among women. In recent years, racing records have also been moving thanks to newly introduced disciplines.
The second week in Oberhof includes endurance races, a mixed double relay, a men's relay and a final race with a mass start. “I will approach them like everyone else. I will try to do everything right before every race,” said Bö, who described his current form as the best in his life.
He also received praise from his competitors. According to compatriot Sturla Holm Laegreid, Bö is “an alien who drives in a different league”, while German Johannes Kühn said that the Norwegian's performances are “impressive, but not surprising, because he has been riding like this all winter”. Even Tomáš Mikyska was in front of the three-time World Cup winner: “What he is showing here is unbelievable,” added the Czech competitor.
