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Norwegian Olympic biathlon champion Sivert Guttorm Bakken has died suddenly. He was 27.
“The International Biathlon Union is deeply saddened to learn that Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken has died aged 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 Lavase in Italy's Trentino region, Norwegian television NRK reported.
In 2022, Bakken was diagnosed with myocarditis, a heart condition, and took a break from competition.
He was the reigning European champion in the 10-kilometre sprint and two relays and was preparing to compete at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina in February.
He also has four World Cup victories and won the seasonal title in the mass start discipline in the 2021/22 season.
“The IBU is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the sudden death of Sievert Bakken,” said IBU President Olle Dahlin. “Sievert’s return to biathlon after a period of enormous difficulty was a source of great 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 incomprehensible, but he will not be forgotten and will forever remain in our hearts,” Dahlin added. “The IBU's thoughts are with Siewert's family and friends, his team and all members of the Norwegian biathlon family at this very difficult time.”
