Sivert Guttorm Bakken, a promising Norwegian biathlon athlete and Olympic hopeful, has tragically passed away during a training camp in Italy. He was 27 years old.
Bakken was found dead in his hotel room in the Alpine town of Lavaze, located in the Trentino region of Italy, as reported by Norwegian TV NRK.
The biathlete had been diagnosed with myocarditis, a heart condition, in 2022, which led him to take a break from competition. After recovering, he made a remarkable return to the sport, displaying exceptional resilience and determination. Bakken was the reigning European champion in the 10-kilometer sprint and two relays, and he was gearing up for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
With four World Cup victories under his belt, Bakken also claimed the season-long title in the mass start discipline during the 2021-22 season, marking him as one of the sport’s brightest talents.
The International Biathlon Union (IBU) expressed its deep shock and sadness at Bakken’s sudden death. IBU President Olle Dahlin shared, “Sivert’s comeback to biathlon after a period of great hardship was a source of immense joy for everyone in the biathlon family and an inspiring demonstration of his resilience and determination.”
Dahlin continued, “His passing at such a young age is impossible to comprehend, but he will not be forgotten and he will forever remain in our hearts. The IBU’s thoughts are with Sivert’s family and friends, his team, and all members of the Norwegian biathlon family at this very difficult time.”
Probably the COVID shot