Jurgen Klopp Will Ring the Bell for Final Lap of Men’s Biathlon Relay at Winter Olympics in Beijing

Jurgen Klopp, the celebrated former Liverpool manager, is stepping into the Winter Olympics spotlight — not on the pitch, but at the final lap of the men’s biathlon relay on Tuesday.

The 58-year-old will ring the bell signaling the start of the last leg, an event that blends cross-country skiing with precision rifle shooting.

Klopp’s fascination with winter sports dates back to his youth in Germany’s Black Forest.

Over the years, he has become a devoted fan of biathlon, particularly admiring Norwegian legend Ole Einar Bjorndalen, widely regarded as the “King of Biathlon.”

From Football Glory to Winter Sports Fan

“I love all alpine skiing, I love all cross-country skiing disciplines, I love biathlon. It’s all just exciting,” Klopp explained.

He admitted, though, that while he has followed the sports for years, some disciplines — like curling — still baffle him.

His Olympic bell-ringing role may be a first, but it’s a welcome change of pace from football.

Klopp joked about being asked to perform the ceremonial act: “My first question was: What is that? We will be there; it’s my first live race.”

Klopp’s playful nod to history included a reference to former UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who nearly caused chaos while ringing the Olympic bell during London 2012.

Meeting the Legend: Ole Einar Bjorndalen

Klopp’s admiration for Bjorndalen goes beyond casual fandom.

The two met for a 2019 documentary, Klopp Meets Bjorndalen.

Klopp described the biathlete as a once-in-a-lifetime figure: “He is Franz Beckenbauer, Pele and Bobby Moore in one person.

Now I can tick that box on my bucket list.”

Bjorndalen reciprocated the praise, noting Klopp’s passion for winter sports: “He is a sports-mad person.

But after football, he is the biggest fan of biathlon.

It was very surprising that he was such a big fan of me and biathlon.”

Their friendship highlights Klopp’s wide-ranging sports appreciation, showing that his competitive spirit isn’t limited to the football pitch.

Bell-Ringing Duties and Public Anticipation

Although it’s unclear how adept Klopp is at ceremonial bell-ringing, fans will get to see him in a rare Olympic moment.

The bell will signal the final leg of the men’s biathlon relay, where competitors race against the clock and one another, testing both endurance and precision.

This marks another chapter in Klopp’s ever-evolving post-Liverpool life, which now includes overseeing soccer projects at the Red Bull Group while indulging his personal passions.

What’s Next?

After ringing the bell, Klopp is expected to continue promoting winter sports and biathlon awareness in the UK, where the sport remains relatively obscure.

His appearance could inspire greater interest in biathlon among football fans and help bridge the gap between summer and winter sports audiences.

For biathlon enthusiasts, it’s also a rare intersection of sports fandom and celebrity recognition — a nod to the global appeal of the Winter Olympics.

Summary

Jurgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager, will ring the bell for the final lap of the men’s biathlon relay at the Winter Olympics, showcasing his lifelong passion for winter sports.

A devoted fan of Norwegian biathlon legend Ole Einar Bjorndalen, Klopp first met him in 2019 for a documentary.

While this is Klopp’s first live Olympic bell-ringing experience, his enthusiasm for biathlon and other winter disciplines is well-known.

Fans will watch as he bridges football fame with winter sports admiration, potentially boosting interest in biathlon worldwide.