The Norwegian biathlon duo Juni Arnekleiv and Mats Överby are taking part in the World Team Challenge in Schalke in memory of their teammate Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who died suddenly.
“We discussed whether we should compete or not,” said Arnekleiv, Bakken’s companion until 2024, on ARD: “But we knew that for Sivert everything has always revolved around biathlon. We’re taking part in Schalke to remember him. The three of us are competing today.”
Two-time Olympic champion Arnd Peiffer was also deeply affected by the Norwegian’s sudden death. “I couldn’t believe it at first,” said the ARD expert: “He’s a young person, 27 years old, and suddenly you hear that he’s passed away. Two days before, you saw him in the race. That depressed many people, including me. That’s incredibly tragic and sad.”
It was “an incredible shock” for the entire biathlon world and especially for the Norwegian team, Peiffer continued: “I think it takes a long time to deal with it and to understand that he is no longer there.” Bakken “fought back really well after myocarditis. It was so great that he was back and was able to compete among the world’s best.”
Bakken was found dead in his hotel room in the Lavazè high camp in South Tyrol at the beginning of the week. He was 27 years old. The cause of death remains unclear.