Linas Banys, Lithuanian Biathlete and Olympian, Dies at 27

Anīkščiai, Lithuania – Linas Banys, a former Lithuanian biathlete who competed at the 2022 Winter Olympics, has died at the age of 27, the Lithuanian Biathlon Federation announced on Wednesday, March 20, 2026. The tragic news has sent shockwaves through the Lithuanian sporting community.

Banys represented Lithuania at the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games, participating in both individual and team events. He finished 79th in the individual race and 90th in the sprint competition, and was part of the Lithuanian team that placed 14th in the relay. He also competed in three World Championships and participated in numerous World Cup events, earning a national championship title during his career.

A Promising Career Cut Short

Born in Anīkščiai, Banys retired from competitive biathlon in 2024 at the age of 25, seeking a change of pace. According to his former coach, Bronius Vitkūnas, Banys expressed a desire for a break and time to rest, though he didn’t elaborate on his future plans. “He told me he wanted to capture a break, to rest. He didn’t explain the details,” Vitkūnas said, as reported by DELFI. “In the last couple of years, he spent more time in Vilnius, and we didn’t see each other as much.”

Vitkūnas, who has coached in Anīkščiai since Lithuania regained independence, remembered Banys as a joyful and active child who consistently participated in his training sessions since the first grade, following in the footsteps of his siblings. “He was a very active, cheerful boy who loved physical activity. He was conscientious and kind – always helping everyone,” Vitkūnas shared. “He took sport very seriously.”

Early Success and International Recognition

Banys first made a mark on the international stage at the 2016 Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway, where he finished 13th. He continued to progress, achieving a sixth-place finish at the European Youth Championship. His dedication and talent earned him a place on the Lithuanian Olympic team for the 2022 Beijing Games. While he didn’t achieve top-60 results in World Cup competitions, his commitment to the sport was undeniable.

Despite not consistently reaching the highest levels of competition, Banys’s impact on Lithuanian biathlon was significant. He was a role model for aspiring athletes and a source of pride for his country. The Lithuanian Biathlon Federation has not yet released details regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

A Community Mourns

The news of Banys’s passing has been met with an outpouring of grief and remembrance from the Lithuanian biathlon community. While details surrounding his death remain private, those who knew him remember him fondly, emphasizing his positive spirit and contributions to the sport. Jauns.lv reported that tributes have focused on celebrating his character and the memories he created within the biathlon world.

According to Delfi, Banys passed away on March 19, 2026.

A farewell ceremony for Linas Banys is scheduled for March 21st.

What’s Next

The Lithuanian Biathlon Federation is expected to issue a more detailed statement in the coming days. The focus now shifts to supporting Banys’s family and honoring his memory within the sporting community. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

Archysport will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they emerge.