Johan-Olav Botn found Sivert Bakken dead – “pale as chalk”

He found his teammate lifeless

“I immediately understood that he was dead”

The death of Sivert Guttorm Bakken shocks the Norwegian team. Especially Johan-Olav Botn, who finds his friend lifeless.

Norwegian biathlete Johan-Olav Botn has spoken for the first time about the death of his teammate Sivert Guttorm Bakken. The 26-year-old found his friend dead in his hotel room in Lavazè, Italy, on December 23rd. “Sivert and I wanted to go skiing at 9 a.m. that morning. I wanted to go by him briefly to get the car keys and take a few skis and poles from the car. Then I found him lifeless in his room,” said Botn in an interview with the Norwegian broadcaster TV2.

“I saw that he was completely lifeless and his face was white as a sheet. I immediately understood that he was dead,” said Botn, describing the moment. When he realized that his long-time companion was no longer alive, it was “an absolute state of shock and pure panic.” He didn’t feel anything anymore, “but just tried to help,” the overall World Cup leader continued.

The cause of death of 27-year-old Bakken remains unknown. He was wearing an altitude training mask when he was found, but it is unclear whether this had anything to do with his death. Autopsy results are not expected to be available until March.

Christmas was very difficult and “you went through a lot of emotions. It still goes up and down, but it gets better every day,” says three-time season winner Botn. He has been in contact with Bakken’s parents and wants to meet with them in the next few weeks: “My first thoughts were with them. You almost feel responsible when you are the first to see him. I think a lot about his family.”

Botn sought the help of a psychologist. “I have some images in my head that I’ve realized I’ll have to live with for the rest of my life. I think it’s wise to find a way to live with those images,” he said.