With 13 world championship gold medals, Marte Olsbu Røiseland in Oberhof has immortalized himself in the biathlon history books. But is there more to come? When asked if Sunday’s mass start might be her last World Championship race, Røiseland told TV2: “It’s hard to say right now. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment. I’m fully aware that this could be my last World Cup. And then it’s important to enjoy it.” The Norwegian could see how difficult it would be for her to say goodbye. While she gave her answer, the first tears flowed from the record world champion.
The days in Thuringia were also so emotional for the Norwegian because it was not clear for a long time whether she would even be able to take part in the World Cup. Health problems in late summer forced her to take a month-long break. It was not until 2023 that the wife of DSV coach Sverre Olsbu Røiseland even entered the World Cup.