Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, 27, has died after being found in his hotel room while on a training camp in Lavaze, Italy. Authorities have not yet disclosed a cause; the International Biathlon Union (IBU) and Norwegian media confirmed his death.
- Age: 27
- Found dead in hotel room in Lavaze, Italy, during a training camp
- Had myocarditis in 2022 and returned to competition in 2024
- In contention for Norway’s Winter Olympics squad for Milan–Cortina
- Four World Cup wins from 31 appearances; 2021–22 mass start small crystal globe winner
- Reigning European champion in the 10km sprint and in the men’s relay
The Legacy
Sivert Guttorm Bakken leaves a short but powerful legacy in biathlon. His top achievements include:
- Winning the overall mass start title (small crystal globe) in 2021–22 at Holmenkollen, Oslo — a career-defining victory on home snow.
- Four World Cup wins across 31 appearances, marking him as a persistent podium threat at the highest level.
- Holding the European Championship titles in the 10km sprint and as part of the men’s relay team, cementing his status as a continental champion.
Social Proof & Reactions
The International Biathlon Union said it was “lost for words” after the news. IBU president Olle Dahlin paid tribute, saying Bakken’s comeback “was a source of immense joy” and that his passing “at such a young age is impossible to comprehend.” The IBU expressed its thoughts for Bakken’s family, friends and the Norwegian biathlon community.
Norwegian broadcaster NRK reported that Bakken was found in his hotel room in Lavaze. Tributes and condolences quickly spread across social media, from teammates, national federations and fans who hailed his determination after returning from a serious heart condition. Many highlighted his resilience after a 2022 myocarditis diagnosis and his push to make Norway’s Olympic squad for Milan–Cortina.
As the biathlon world mourns, federations and local authorities are expected to provide further details. Bakken’s rise, comeback and recent European titles made him a figure of inspiration in Norway and beyond — a bright career cut painfully short.
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