The Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken has died at the age of just 27. This was announced by the Norwegian Federation and the International Biathlon Union (IBU).
Accordingly, Bakken, who celebrated a World Cup victory at Holmenkollen in Oslo in the 2021/22 season and won the small ball in the mass start, died during a training camp in Italy.
“His death is unbelievable”
“The IBU is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the sudden death of Sivert Bakken”IBU President Olle Dahlin was quoted in an IBU statement: “His death at such a young age is unbelievable, but he will not be forgotten and will remain in our hearts forever.”
Comeback after Inflammation of myocardium
After the 2021/22 World Cup season, Bakken was diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. In November 2024 he made his return to IBU competitions and won several competitions in the second-tier IBU Cup.
Fourth place at the start of the season
This season his star seemed to rise for the second time. He came very close to his big goal of qualifying for the Winter Olympics in the first race: he came fourth in the individual in Östersund. In six individual races in the still young 2025/26 season, he finished in the top 10 four times. Most recently, he competed at the World Cup station in Le Grand Bornand and took fifth place in the sprint, among other things.
In the training camp with Johan-Olav Botn, among others
According to the acting general secretary of the Norwegian Biathlon Federation (NSSF), Emilie Nordskar, the circumstances of Bakken’s death are initially unclear. “We are cooperating with the Italian authorities”Nordskar is quoted as saying in a press release. Dem Norwegian TV channel “NRK” she said: “What we know is that Sivert was found dead in his hotel room in the Italian mountain town of Lavazè. We hope the police find out the circumstances of his death.”
Bakken was at an altitude training camp with some Norwegian biathletes. In addition to Bakken, according to “NRK” information, World Cup leader Johan-Olav Botn will also be in Italy. The family and Bakken’s teammates are receiving psychological support from crisis intervention teams after the athlete’s death, according to NSSF.
Laegreid: “You were one of the coolest”
Some of Bakken’s teammates now commented on Instagram: “Sivert, you were one of the coolest”wrote Sturla Holm Laegreid, overall World Cup winner last season: “You had the ability to work your way out of the worst situations. Where everyone else would have given up, you didn’t give up. Sivert, you were a role model.”
Bö: “It’s too early”
Johannes Thingnes Bö, the biathlon dominator of recent years, wrote: “Sivert, it is too early. He was one of the greatest talents we have ever had in Norwegian biathlon. Rest in peace, good Sivert. We will always miss you.”
Giacomel: “Will carry you with me”
Bakken not only wanted to train with the Italian Tommasso Giacomel on Tuesday, the two also wanted to spend New Year’s Eve together. Giacomel, 25, wrote: “From this moment on, I will carry you with me – not just in every race, but in every training session and every moment of my life. It will be really hard to train and fight without you in the future, but I will do my best to make you proud.”
IBU boss Dahlin referred to Bakken’s sporting and human legacy: “Sivert’s comeback to biathlon after a period of great difficulty has been a source of great joy for everyone in the biathlon family and an inspiring testament to his resilience and determination.”