Olympic gold medallist, World Champion, World Cup Total Score winner, and NRK’s biathlon expert Marte Olsbu Roeiseland shares her thoughts on Johannes Thingnes Boe’s surprising announcement to retire at the end of this season. She dives into how champions of his caliber make decisions that may seem puzzling to fans but often stem from deeper personal motivations. Marte also discusses the ripple effect this monumental choice could have on the Norwegian team and other nations as they recalibrate their goals.

The news about Johannes Thingnes Boe retiring at the end of the season came as a shock. We all knew he would retire at the end of the following - Olympic season. I am also sad. Johannes is a fantastic athlete, one of the best of all time. But, as someone who also puts family first, I understand his desire to spend more time with his wife and kids. It is the right thing to do for him. As I understand, he took the decision during the Christmas break and waited for the moment to feel right.

Johannes has twice decided to take a break, but never a definite one - when his first-born Gustav was born in 2019/2020 and after the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022. I could relate to that. For me, it was necessary to rest before main events like the IBU World Championships and the Olympic Winter Games. Although it may not seem so from the outside, the biathlon season is very long if you participate in the entire calendar, including the Relays. Breaks are essential not only for physical recovery but also for shooting accuracy. It's crucial to plan breaks. I created a clear plan for the season in April or May. I developed Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C. They offered me a sense of security. If you intend to take a break, it is essential to think things through carefully. As for Johannes, he is so talented that almost any approach works for him.

People ask whether Johannes perhaps misses a challenger like Martin Fourcade was to him. Quite possible - it is important to be challenged every day. A lot of athletes certainly did and still challenge Johannes all the time. Sturla Holm Laegreid does this regularly. Quentin Fillon Maillet won the Total Score title three seasons ago. Perhaps all the guys were so sad after Johannes broke the news because they would miss challenging him, trying to get to his extraordinarily high standards. Johannes’ absence will change the dynamics within the Norwegian team and among Total Score contenders. We need to see the current season to the end - and the next one - to see who will continue with biathlon and who will step up. Based on the fact that he has finished second in the Total Score four times makes Laegreid the first choice of the new boss in the World Cup. Outside of Norway, French athletes are hitting their stride this season. Emilien Jacquelin, in particular, has shown a newfound maturity. Alongside him, Sebastian Samuelsson and possibly some emerging talents are determined to take the mantle.

Ole Einar Bjoerndalen announced Maren Kirkeeide as the new female star of the Norwegian biathlon. And I agree. Maren has a cool head on her shoulders - and a rare ability to keep her nerves in check in the late, deciding phases of races. She skis fast. Her Oberhof success surprised me. I am even more curious about what she will accomplish in the coming seasons as she improves her range time.

Franziska Preuss currently leads the Total Score, with Lou Jeanmonnot and Elvira Oeberg in hot pursuit. Believe me, finishing the season in yellow is no easy feat. Franziska has truly impressed me, especially in Ruhpolding, where she bounced back convincingly after a dip in form during Oberhof. She’s my top pick for the title, as her consistency and knack for podium finishes make her a strong contender. Elvira, on the other hand, is always dangerous when she senses victory, though her shooting can be inconsistent at times—her chances are far from over. As for Lou, she’ll have the perfect opportunity to bounce back in Antholz-Anterselva after her Mass Start disappointment. The French thrive at high altitude, and I have no doubt Lou will come out swinging in South Tyrol.