Tarjei Bø: A Biathlon Legend Bows Out
“The most important thing is how we use life, not how long it lasts.”
23 March 2025. Oslo, Holmenkollen Hill. It was here where it all began – the place where Tarjei Bø grew up and made a name for himself – that he drew things to a close. The mass start marked the end of a journey of more than 15 years, which all started one day in December 2009 in Pokljuka. He was already dreaming of becoming a champion, and his 37th place in the Slovenian individual event marked the grand premiere of a 21-year-old kid. A 35-year-old champion is leaving us, an athlete who has laid his hands on the greatest trophies in the sport: the crystal globe and Olympic and world championship golds. His life is like a novel. His career will always be an incredible chapter in the history of his sport.
The crystal globe in 2011
The first line was written in Styrn in southwest Norway on 29 July 1988. In a country where the star athletes are cross-country skiers, Tarjei chose biathlon. From very early on, he stood out as one of the most promising talents of his generation. In 2006 in the United States at the age of 18, he was crowned junior world champion in the individual event.
Three years later, he competed in his first world cup.
A year later in Vancouver, he won the Olympic title in the relay alongside Ole Einar Bjoerndalen and Emil Svendesen.
In 2011, his second full season on the circuit, he took the ultimate holy grail by winning the overall world cup.
Nine years of a shared adventure
Between highs – three world titles in 2013 – and lows – no individual medals at the 2014 Olympics – Tarjei has forged his own path.
Inspiring and resilient. An unstoppable driving force, he acted as road captain of a Norwegian team that saw the arrival of Johannes Bø, Tarjei’s younger brother, with whom he shared the joys of a world podium in 2015 in Kontiolahti.
It was in 2016, after discussions with Martin and Simon Fourcade, that the Norwegian discovered Julbo. Attracted by both our approach and our commitment to innovation, as well as our general mindset, he helped to establish the brand in Norway.
Thanks to him, Julbo is now present in Norwegian biathlon, partly as a result of a partnership with the Norwegian federation. “From the very first day I joined Julbo, I immediately knew I was in the right team,” says Tarjei Bø. “A team that’s always harmonious and cheerful, giving me the best energy to perform. And of course, they make the best sunglasses too.”
From Aero to Intensity, as well as Aerospeed, Fury, Rush and Ultimate, he has helped develop all of these products. His clear favorite will always be the Sniper Visor, which he’s never parted company with. Together with Tarjei and Martin Fourcade, we refined its development to make it an essential piece of kit, combining protection, comfort and performance, especially in bad weather.
Another path
His career ends here. In Oslo. In one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world, Sunday the 23rd of March marks the full stop of one chapter but not of the whole story. He’s already started writing the sequel. With his brother Rasmus, he’s set up a window company in anticipation of his retirement from the sport. At Julbo, we’ll remember the image of a humble and attentive athlete who always had a smile or a word for the teams that supported him in each of his successes, and sometimes in his most difficult moments.
TAKK TARJEI
