Sivert Guttorm Bakken, a World Cup biathlon champion and Olympic hopeful for Norway, has died suddenly at age 27.
According to Norwegian TV NRK, Bakken was found dead in his hotel room in the Alpine town of Lavaze in the Trentino region of Italy, where he was preparing to compete in the coming Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.
“The International Biathlon Union is deeply saddened to learn that Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken has passed away at the age of 27 during a training camp in Italy,” the sport’s governing body said in a statement on Tuesday.
The sports governing body said the athlete’s death had been confirmed by Italian authorities, but an official cause of death has not been reported.
“Our thoughts are first and foremost with Sivert’s family and with everyone close to him, both in Norway and abroad. We are cooperating with the Italian authorities on site,” Norway’s acting secretary general Emilie Nordskar said in a statement, according to AFP.
Heart condition
Bakken was diagnosed with a heart condition, myocarditis, in 2022 and took a break from competition.
Bakken reportedly had been open about contracting heart problems following his third dose of the COVID-9 vaccine in 2022.
He returned for the 2024-25 season, competing at eight competitions.
He was the reigning European champion in the 10-km sprint and two relays, while also capturing four World Cup victories and the season-long title in the mass start discipline in 2021-22.
“The IBU is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of Sivert Bakken’s sudden death,” IBU president Olle Dahlin said. “Sivert’s comeback to biathlon after a period of great hardship was a source of immense joy for everyone in the biathlon family and an inspiring demonstration of his resilience and determination.
“His passing at such a young age is impossible to comprehend but he will not be forgotten and he 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.”