Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken has died. This was announced by the national association and the World Biathlon Association. Accordingly, the 27-year-old was found dead in his hotel room in Lavazè, Italy. Nothing is known about the background yet.
“Our thoughts are primarily with Sivert’s family and everyone who was close to him, both in Norway and abroad. We are cooperating with the Italian authorities on site,” said Emilie Nordskar as acting general secretary of the Norwegian Biathlon Federation.
World Association President Olle Dahlin was “deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news.” Sivert’s comeback was “a source of immense joy for the entire biathlon family and an inspiring example of his resilience and determination,” said the Swede in a press release: “His death at such a young age is incomprehensible, but he will remain unforgotten and will be in our hearts forever.”
Bakken was once considered a great talent. He made his World Cup debut in March 2022. In the same year he also achieved a World Cup victory. But shortly afterwards a health setback caught up with him and he suffered from myocarditis.
It wasn’t until the 2024/25 season that he made his comeback in the IBU Cup, where he achieved several podium finishes. This winter, Bakken also returned to the World Cup squad and achieved several top ten finishes. In Östersund he recently came fourth over 20 kilometers.
Teammate Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen expressed his dismay on Instagram: “You were back!! At the top of the range, at the top of Norway’s highest mountains and at the top of life. The more you trained, the broader your gaze. You were the facade of devotion. Rest in peace now.”
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