Winter Olympics hopeful Sivert Guttorm Bakken found dead during training camp aged 27

Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken has died at the age of 27.

Bakken was hoping to compete at the Winter Olympics in February in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

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As reported by Norwegian news outlet Dagbladet, he was found dead in his hotel room in Lavaze.

In a press release, the International Biathlon Union [IBU] confirmed he was on a training camp when he passed away.

“The IBU is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of Sivert Bakken’s sudden death,” IBU president Olle Dahlin said.

“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.

“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.”

Norwegian Biathlon Association representative Emilie Nordskar said via NRK that they are ‘cooperating with Italian authorities’.

“What we know is that Sivert was found dead in his hotel room in the Alpine town of Lavaze in Italy today,” she told the outlet.

“We are of course in contact with the Italian police on site. They are in full swing and we are working closely with them.

“We do not know the cause of death. It will be up to the police to find out. Now we will support Sivert’s family and those close to him, and the athletes and the rest of the biathlon family.”

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Tributes for Bakken

Taking to Instagram, former teammate Sturla Holm Laegreid paid his respects to Bakken following his passing.

“Sivert, you were one of the best,” he said via translation. “You were a driving force in person. You had the ability to work your way out of the worst.

“Where everyone else would have given up, you gave in. Sivert, you were a role model, an inspiration, had a will to persevere that others could only dream of. Thanks for everything Sivert. Rest in peace.”

Fellow biathlete Endre Strømsheim added: “Sivert you had drive, damn you had drive! A huge and pure drive.

“Your comeback is the worst I’ve ever seen. It’s absolutely terrible that we only got to see the start.

“Unbelievable that we won’t get more trips together, either on the trail or in the mountains. Rest in peace.”

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Bakken competed 31 times at the IBU World Cup, winning four times, and was reigning European champion in the 10km sprint and two relays.

He was diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, in 2022 and took a break from competing.