Shock in the biathlon world! A high-achieving Norwegian athlete was found dead in his hotel room
Article by David Istrate – Published on Tuesday, 23 December 2025 20:15 / Updated on Tuesday, 23 December 2025 20:37
Sivert Guttorm Bakken, a Norwegian biathlete with a World Cup victory, died at the age of 27, having been found dead in a hotel room in Trentino, Italy. He was suffering from an illness that kept him away from competitions for a long time.
Even though he did not compete for a long time, Sivert Bakken was one of the best biathlon athletes, managing to win the mass start race at Holmenkollenwhere the World Cup was held in 2022. He also obtained the small crystal ball in this discipline.
Sivert Bakken was found dead in a hotel room » He was suffering from myocarditis
While in Italy, the Norwegian died in a hotel room on the Lavaze pass, at the age of 27. For now, there is no information regarding the cause of death, however Bakken was diagnosed with myocarditis in 2022 and took a break from competition, only returning in November 2024.
Therefore, one of the presuppositions of the police is that the athlete would have suffered a relapse of the disease that kept him away from sports.
“I am shocked. I will remember Sivert as an oasis of calm and patience. He had to take a break due to illness, but slowly he came back stronger. And then came this news. It's terrible, the most tragic thing that could happen”, said Ole Einar Bjorndalen, a legend of Norwegian sports, quoted by vg.no.
Also, Olle Dahlin, president of the International Biathlon Union, sent a message of condolences.
The IBU is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic news of Sivert Bakken's sudden death. Sivert's return 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 death at such a young age is impossible to understand, but he will not be forgotten and will always remain in our hearts. The IBU's thoughts are with Sivert's family and friends, with his team and with all members of the Norwegian biathlon family during this very difficult time
– Olle Dahlin, president of the International Biathlon Unionaccording to the organization's official website
Sivert Bakken came from a family connected to winter sports, and his girlfriend was another well-known biathlete, Juni Arnekleiv.
