Johannes Thingnes Boe has officially etched his name in the history books as the biathlon record World Champion. With his latest gold medal in the Sprint at the BMW IBU World Championships in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, the Norwegian superstar surpasses Ole Einar Bjoerndalen’s long-standing record, cementing his legacy as the greatest athlete the World Championships have ever seen.

Boe’s historic achievement brings his total to 21 World Championships gold medals, breaking Bjoerndalen’s previous record of 20. In total, Boe now holds 38 World Championships medals, including 21 gold, 13 silver, and five bronze, further solidifying his place at the pinnacle of biathlon.

As Boe prepares to retire at the end of this season, this record-breaking moment adds a fitting chapter to his illustrious career. His farewell tour has been nothing short of spectacular, reinforcing his status as one of the greatest to ever compete in the sport. With his dominance across multiple seasons, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

The feat is even more remarkable considering the legacy he has surpassed. Ole Einar Bjoerndalen, widely regarded as the “King of Biathlon,” still holds the record for total medals at the World Championships with 45 medals, including 20 golds, 14 silvers, and 11 bronzes. Speaking after his historic victory, Boe reflected on the moment:

As the biathlon family and fans celebrate this momentous achievement, Johannes Thingnes Boe prepares to bid farewell to the sport at the height of his powers fighting for his sixth Total Score title at the BMW IBU World Cups in Nove Mesto, Pokljuka and Oslo in March 2025. Photo: Manzoni/IBU