The biathlon world is in shock: the Norwegian top ski hunter Sivert Guttorm Bakken has died at the age of just 27.
The Norwegian Federation and the International Biathlon Union (IBU) confirmed the sad news on Tuesday evening.
Bakken was found dead in his hotel room in Lavazè during a training camp in Italy. The cause of death is still unclear.
With Bakken, the sport of biathlon is losing an athlete who has left his mark on the World Cup in recent years.
In the 2021/22 season he celebrated his greatest sporting success with a World Cup victory at the legendary Holmenkollen in Oslo and also won the small crystal ball in the mass start. His aggressive running style and uncompromising commitment made him one of the most popular ski hunters in his native Norway.
The sympathy in the sports world was already great on Tuesday. “Our thoughts are primarily with Sivert’s family and everyone who is close to him, both in Norway and abroad,” said association general secretary Emilie Nordskar and added: “We are working on site with the Italian authorities.”
IBU President Olle Dahlin was also deeply shocked: The IBU was “deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of Sivert Bakken’s sudden death.” He continued: “His death at such a young age is unbelievable, but he will not be forgotten and will remain in our hearts forever.”
After the 2021/22 season, Bakken was diagnosed with myocarditis, which forced him to take a long break. He only made his comeback on the international stage in November 2024 and competed in IBU Cup competitions.
Emotional words from Bö and Giacomel
Most recently, at the World Cup in Le Grand Bornand, he showed that he was once again among the world’s best with a fifth place in the sprint. Dahlin specifically acknowledged this journey: “Sivert’s comeback in biathlon after a period of great difficulty was a source of great joy for everyone in the biathlon family and an inspiring testament to his resilience and determination.”
Numerous companions spoke up on social networks. The biathlon icon Johannes Thingnes Bö wrote: “Sivert, it was too early. One of the greatest talents in the history of Norwegian biathlon.”
Tommaso Giacomel’s words were particularly moving: “We had planned to go skiing together today, but you didn’t come. We had planned to celebrate New Year’s Eve together, but you won’t be there. Life has been so hard on you that it stopped you for more than two years a while ago… and now this. That’s not fair.”
The German Ski Association (DSV) also expressed its condolences. “It was a great privilege to compete against someone who embodied determination and perseverance like no other,” wrote the DSV on Instagram: “Your career has left traces that will not be forgotten.”