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Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who was hoping to join the winter Olympics He died the following February, aged 27.
The sport’s governing body, the International Biathlon Union (IBU), said it was at a loss for words when announcing the news on Tuesday.
Bakken, who took a break from the sport in 2022 after being diagnosed with the heart disease myocarditis, returned in 2024 and was a contender for a place in the national team for the Milan-Cortina Games.
The IBU said he died at a training camp in Italy, with Norwegian outlet NRK reporting that he was found dead in his hotel room in Laves.
IBU President Ole Dahlin said: “The IBU is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of Sivert Bakken’s sudden death.
“Siewert’s return to biathlon after a period of great difficulty was a source of immense joy to everyone in the biathlon family and an inspiring demonstration of his resilience and determination.
“His passing at such a young age is impossible to comprehend but he will not be forgotten and he will always be in our hearts. The IBU’s thoughts are with Sievert’s family and friends, his team and all members of the Norwegian biathlon family at this difficult time.”
Bakkan secured four wins from 31 appearances at World Cup level and won the overall collective debut title in the 2021–22 season, sealing the small crystal globe in front of the home crowd in Holmenkollen, Oslo.
He was also the reigning European champion in the 10 km sprint discipline and the men’s relay.