Norwegian biathlon star Tiril Eckhoff surprised many, given that she decided to retire and turn over a new leaf in life. Eckhoff has many successes behind her, but she thinks this is the best decision for her. “I started biathlon because my older siblings, Stian and Kaja were doing it - I wanted to be as good as them.
This goal has taken me further than I ever dreamed it would be. I have experienced a lot and feel incredibly lucky to have lived the dream life as a biathlete for over 15 years. I got to experience becoming a world champion at home in 2016.
It's a day I will never forget and it will forever remain as the best memory of my sports career."- she wrote on social media.
Tiril Eckhoff's statement
Making such a decision is never an easy thing to do. It is important to note that she has been involved in the biathlon scene for quite some time.
Probably Eckhoff got fed up with everything, and she didn't have the motivation that she used to have. This would cause her to retire. Our best wishes go out to her in the future, and who knows, maybe we'll see her in a different role in the future.
“In March last year, I won two races in Holmenkollen. I didn't know then that these would be my last victories as a biathlete - the plan was to keep going. When I give up now, I still think that I give up on top - I finished with two wins at home in front of a fantastic crowd, friends and my closest family.
It's a little sad to give up, but at the same time, I also feel it's the right decision. I'm proud of what I've achieved and will always look back on the years of biathlon with a smile”.