"Bakken, originally from Lillehammer, Norway, home of the 1994 Winter Games, had competed most recently in the World Cup for biathlon and was considered a promising talent in the sport. He first rose to prominence in the 2021-22 season, when he won the small Crystal Globe in the mass start category. Following this tremendous success, Bakken was diagnosed with myocarditis later that year and was forced to take time off for two season."
"The International Biathlon Union (IBU) described the news as "deeply shocking and saddening," noting Bakken's determined return to competition after illness and praising his resilience and passion for the sport. IBU President Olle Dahlin said Bakken will be "forever remembered" for his courage and spirit. The Norwegian Biathlon Federation said it is cooperating with Italian authorities in the ongoing investigation into Bakken's death."
Sivert Guttorm Bakken, 27, was found dead in his hotel room in Lavazè, Italy, while attending a Norwegian team training camp ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympic season. The cause of death has not yet been determined and Italian authorities are investigating with cooperation from the Norwegian Biathlon Federation. Bakken, from Lillehammer, competed on the World Cup circuit and won the small Crystal Globe in the 2021-22 mass start. He was later diagnosed with myocarditis, missed two seasons, returned for the 2024-25 season, and raced in several World Cup events in December 2025 aiming for Olympic qualification. The International Biathlon Union called the news deeply shocking and saddening, a crisis support team has been offered, and an open memorial service is planned in Lillehammer.
Read at SnowBrains
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]