Biathlon-Norwegian athlete Bakken dies at 27
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on December 23, 2025
1 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on December 23, 2025
1 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
Norwegian biathlete Sivert Bakken, 27, was found dead in Italy. Known for his resilience, he won a World Cup event in 2022 and overcame myocarditis.
Dec 23 (Reuters) - Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken has died at the age of 27, the International Biathlon Union confirmed on Tuesday.
Local media reported that Bakken was found dead in his hotel room in Lavaze in the Italian Alps, where he had been attending a training camp.
He claimed his first and only individual Biathlon World Cup victory at Holmenkollen in 2022 and was vying for a place on Norway’s squad for the Winter Olympics in February.
Bakken struggled with myocarditis in 2022 and returned to competition in 2024.
"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," IBU President Olle Dahlin said in a statement.
"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."
(Tommy Lund in Gdansk; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle, which can affect the heart's ability to pump blood and cause irregular heart rhythms. It can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or exposure to certain toxins.
The Biathlon World Cup is an annual series of biathlon competitions organized by the International Biathlon Union, featuring events that combine cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.
A training camp is a period of intensive training for athletes, often held in a specific location, where they focus on improving their skills, fitness, and preparation for upcoming competitions.
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