Johannes Thingnes Bø, biathlon legend, tries football after retirement — and scores on debut

Johannes Thingnes Bø, one of biathlon’s all-time greats, has taken up football after announcing his retirement from elite biathlon in March at the age of 32.

The Norwegian star has signed for Vinger VK, a sixth-division team in his home country. On Thursday night he made a dream debut, scoring the goal that secured a 2-2 draw against Kjellmyra, the leaders of the league.

Bø — the younger brother of Tarjei Bø — explained to local media that football was his first sporting passion. “I used to play for Stryn before biathlon took all my time,” he said after the match. “Now I think I can have some fun again.”

The article highlights the scope of his winter-sport achievements: five Olympic gold medals, 23 world championship titles, and five overall World Cup crystal globes. After laying down skis and rifle, Bø is enjoying a low-key return to the pitch, with plenty of time ahead to see where football might take him.