Hedegart eyes biathlon return with bö's support
Einar Hedegart, the Olympic skiathlon champion, is contemplating a return to biathlon World Cup racing, fueled by a potential endorsement from one of the sport's most dominant figures, Johannes Thingnes Bø.
Hedegart weighs biathlon comeback amid skiathlon success
The 24-year-old Norwegian, who recently enjoyed a successful Olympic Games in Milan Cortina with two gold medals in the team sprint and relay, along with a bronze in the 10km freestyle, has expressed openness to rejoining the biathlon circuit. His decision hinges, in part, on a possible recommendation from Bø, who Hedegart says he has contacted.
Hedegart's career has been marked by versatility. He began his professional career in cross-country skiing, making his World Cup debut in November 2024. He quickly transitioned to biathlon, winning the junior world championship in 2023 and debuting in the World Cup later that year. He even competed in both disciplines simultaneously for a period.
“I’m hoping for two calls,” Hedegart told the Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang. “But I need to do some lobbying first. If I’m asked for a spot in the national biathlon team – which has been much discussed – as an additional seventh man, that would be a dream.”
The key to Hedegart’s potential return lies in leveraging Bø’s influence. Bø, with a staggering 91 individual World Cup victories, has direct ties to the Norwegian Biathlon Federation. “I have been in contact with Johannes. We will see how much influence he actually has,” Hedegart explained. The federation has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Past struggles with shooting accuracy hampered Hedegart's biathlon aspirations. However, his recent success in skiathlon has revitalized his options. If a biathlon invitation doesn't materialize, he is prepared to remain in cross-country skiing. “Then I might start in cross-country skiing. Then we’ll see which team I end up with. But I am confident that after such a season in one of the Sports, I will have a national team (for me),” Hedegart stated.
The decision remains open, with Hedegart stating he's awaiting the first phone call. The potential pairing of Hedegart and Bø also raises questions about the future composition of the Norwegian biathlon team.
The news arrives shortly after the surprising retirement announcement from another prominent biathlete, signaling a potential reshuffling of the top ranks. The Norwegian biathlon scene is undergoing a period of transition.
Hedegart's ambition to compete at the highest level, coupled with the potential backing of a legend like Bø, positions him as a potential force in future World Cup seasons. His career trajectory highlights the fluidity of elite sport and the ever-shifting dynamics within national teams.
The question now isn't if Hedegart will compete, but where. And that answer will shape the landscape of Norwegian biathlon for years to come.