Jurgen Klopp explains biathlon passion after Winter Olympics bell-ringing cameo - 'The best combination of physical and mental aspects'
Updated 19/02/2026 at 14:11 GMT
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Little did Eric Perrot know that it was ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp ringing the bell to signal his final lap before roaring to Olympic gold at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. The German has been in attendance at the biathlon this week and spoke of his love for the sport and respect for Olympic competition. Watch every event of Milano Cortina 2026 live on discovery+.
Klopp lands surprise role at Olympic Winter Games
Video credit: TNT Sports
Jurgen Klopp has spoken of his love for biathlon after getting up close to the action at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Images of the former Liverpool manager ringing the bell for the final lap of the men's relay went viral on Tuesday as Eric Perrot surged to the finish line to claim gold for France.
Soaking up the Olympic atmosphere at the Antholz-Anterselva Biathlon Arena, Klopp explained what he most admires about the sport and why the unique demands continue to captivate him.
"I'm a fan of everything. I love all Alpine skiing, I love all cross-country skiing disciplines, I love biathlon. It's all just exciting," he said.
"[Biathlon], for me, is the best combination of all the physical aspects of sports and all the mental aspects of sports.
"[If you took them] and put them in one sport, if you would have asked me that, 'Let somebody run until he dies, pretty much, and then give him a rifle?' Not sure who had that idea. But no, really, for ages, I have loved it."
He added: "It's an example for constantly restarting, constantly refocusing and, I have to say, there are so many aspects.
"A real challenge for me would be to do the last shooting and miss and then still to finish the race with all you have. That's a massive thing to do.
"I understand some things better from watching them for years or from doing them myself. Other things I don't understand at all. I have no idea how someone can bend down so low in curling, stay stable, and still push a kettle.
"I was even asked if I would like to ring the bell before the last lap. My first question was: 'What is that? We will be there, it's my first live race.'"
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Klopp on 'love' for Olympics and his favourite event
Video credit: SNTV
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Klopp spoke passionately about the values of the Olympic Games, the respect and togetherness that he believes define both biathlon sports and the Olympic movement.
"I'm a big fan of sports people, a big fan of the attitude, a big fan of all the things sport can teach us in life," he explained.
"And so when you see it here, the Olympic Games, in a super difficult time in the world, they still have their spot and their place, and it's still the same atmosphere and the same mood they create.
"Everyone, we are all friends. [We] fight [compete] against each other, but we are friends, and that's the most important message you can get."
Klopp is one of Liverpool's most successful managers, leading the club to their first Premier League title, while also winning the UEFA Champions League in addition to a handful of domestic cups.
Since he left the English club in 2024, he was appointed global head of soccer at Red Bull in January 2025.
Watch every event of Milano Cortina 2026 live on discovery+. Available across all subscription plans, starting at £3.99.
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