Big brother was Santa when Thingnes Bø finally got the world cup trophy – VG

It would take seven and a half months before Johannes Thingnes Bø received the generous trophy. “Kula” has been traveling in Europe before it finally ended up at the door of the world’s best biathlete.

The surprise was of course big when big brother Tarjei suddenly rang the doorbell at Vinderen’s home in Oslo. He had just as well wrapped up the trophy.

– He called himself Santa Claus and said he was out early. It is often the case that the best gifts are things you want for yourself. May her that was why he came with the World Cup trophy. He wants it a little extra this season, says Johannes Thingnes Bø.

– On earth sailing

– The trophy has been on earth sailing, but is in good condition, says the 27-year-old.

He has a point. Because when the World Cup had to be abruptly canceled due to the corona pandemic in March, Thingnes Bø was again the overall winner in the Finnish Kontiolahti.

There and then, the International Biathlon Federation (IBU) had no real trophy to present to Thingnes Bø. It was located in Oslo where Holmenkollen was to arrange the World Cup final.

After the start of the hunt in Kontiolahti on March 14, the Norwegian overall winner therefore posed with a copy.

– Then I think the IBU took some of the balls – including this one – home to the office in Salzburg since the Kollen races were canceled. Then Martin Fourcade was by mistake also sent the big trophy when his entire incredible biathlon story was to be documented in one photo. That was fine. I’m going to do a little more so I had no need to collect all the trophies, says Thingnes Bø and laughs.

The error was discovered, so the IBU had to make new attempts to deliver the “bullet” to the right person. It was eventually left in the Anterselva in Italy where there were opportunities for the women’s national team coach Patrick Oberegger to take the trophy to Norway on occasion. Exactly that became difficult.

– Due to the corona pandemic, he has been very little at home, and I understand well that he does not take it in his hand luggage. Usually our equipment car is on a “route” up and down Europe every month, but even here the corona outbreak has led to problems.

But now it was possible. Tarjei Bø got the trophy at the door when he received some other material from the biathletes’ equipment car. Then he took on the role of Santa Claus. The World Cup trophy has returned home.

– It can create symmetry on the fireplace shelf, jokes Thingnes Bø who already has one.

– It would look best if I had one more. I have something to go on there, and I’ll give it a try.

Tarjei Bø took the opportunity to feel a little on the trophy before he gave up the big ball. The 32-year-old has won the World Cup a total of once – back in the 2010/2011 season.