Tragic Passing
-
Sivert Guttorm Bakken, a Norwegian biathlete born on 18 July 1998, passed away on 23 December 2025 at the age of 27 while at a team training camp in Lavazè, Italy.
-
He was found dead in his hotel room on that day by his teammate Johan-Olav Botn.
-
As of early 2026, the official cause of death has not been publicly confirmed. Italian authorities conducted an autopsy, but results were expected only around March 2026.
Career Highlights
-
Bakken was a well-regarded member of the Norwegian biathlon team, competing in the IBU World Cup and winning the overall mass start title in the 2021-22 season.
-
He also recorded World Cup victories and podiums, and was seen as a hopeful for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina.
-
Prior to his death, he had returned to competition in late 2025 after missing time due to a heart condition (myocarditis) diagnosed in 2022.
Aftermath and Reactions
-
His sudden death shocked the biathlon community, and tributes poured in from teammates and the International Biathlon Union (IBU), which described the news as “deeply shocking and saddening.”
-
At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Norwegian teammate Johan-Olav Botn won Olympic gold in the 20 km individual biathlon and dedicated his victory to Bakken.
Cause of Death – Still Unconfirmed
-
While Bakken had a known history of myocarditis (a heart inflammation), no official cause of death has been released yet. The investigation and autopsy results were anticipated months after his passing.