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Norwegian Olympic biathlon hopeful Sivert Guttorm Bakken has died suddenly. He was 27 years old.
“The International Biathlon Union is deeply saddened to learn that Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken has died at the age of 27 during a training camp in Italy,” the sport’s governing body said on Tuesday.
Bakken was found dead in his hotel room in the Alpine town of Lavaze, in Italy’s Trentino region, Norwegian television NRK reported.
Bakken was diagnosed with myocarditis, a heart condition, in 2022 and took a break from competition.
He was the reigning European champion in the 10 kilometer sprint and both relays and was preparing to compete in the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February.
He also won four World Cups and won the season title in the mass start discipline in 2021-22.
“The IBU is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the sudden death of Sivert Bakken,” said IBU President Olle Dahlin. “Sivert’s return to biathlon after a period of great difficulty was a source of immense joy for all members of the biathlon family and an inspiring demonstration of his resilience and determination.
“His passing at such a young age is impossible to understand, but he will not be forgotten and will forever remain in our hearts,” Dahlin added. “The IBU’s thoughts are with Sivert’s family and friends, his team and all members of the Norwegian biathlon family at this very difficult time.”
