Johannes Thingnes Bø hasn’t trained with the rest of the Norwegian national team for many months and skipped the summer championships in Lillehammer in September. But now, the biathlon star is back with the national team’s high-altitude camp in Lavazè, Northern Italy. 

A month before the season starts, the 31-year-old Norwegian is extremely motivated. 

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And that motivation comes, not least, from the dream of making real history. For Ole Einar Bjørndalen’s record of 94 World Cup victories over his career is getting closer. 

Thingnes Bø currently stands at 73 World Cup victories. Last winter, he won 12, and took the overall World Cup title for the third consecutive year and the fifth time in his career. If he keeps up the same level for a couple more years, he’ll easily surpass Bjørndalen. 

And considering that the Norwegian has already mentioned both the 2026 Olympics and future ambitions, Thingnes Bø has every opportunity to fulfill his dream. 

“I want to break Bjørndalen’s record and tell my son that I was the greatest. I’ll tell him that I’m the greatest ever. I’m looking forward to that,” Thingnes Bø told Fondo Italia, grinning widely. 

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What’s the goal? 

“It’s the same as it always has been, to win races. But also, to win the most of anyone.” 

So, the most World Cup victories in a career? Do you want to surpass Bjørndalen? 

“Yes.” 

You’re the best in the world. Is it still possible for you to get better? 

“Yes. I can get better at prone shooting, become more stable there. I think the cross-country skiing part and standing shooting have gone very well, so it’s just a matter of training well in the final stretch before the season.” 

When you’ve retired and are telling your son about your career, what will you say? 

“I’ll definitely tell him I’m the greatest biathlete of all time.” 

The world’s best ski technician 

For Thingnes Bø to achieve that dream, it will take more than just training and practice. The equipment also must be top-notch. And the biathlon star is quick to praise the service team, led by the Italian Luca Marini. 

“Skiing is super important. It’s the most important tool we have to win races. You need the best skis, and Luca has expertise that very few in the world can match when it comes to skis. We’re extremely lucky to have him; I wouldn’t trade him for anyone in the world,” says Johannes Thingnes Bø, adding: 

“He’s as motivated to win as we are, and sometimes I feel like he’s almost happier than I am about my victories. He lives for this and puts his soul into making sure we have the best skis in the world.” 

Will you compete in the 2029 World Championships at home? 

“I’ll be there. But I won’t be there as an athlete.” 

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