Cause of death unclear: Norwegian biathlete Bakken died

“Our thoughts are primarily with Sivert’s family and everyone who was close to him, both in Norway and abroad. We are cooperating with the Italian authorities on site,” said Emilie Nordskar as acting general secretary of the Norwegian Biathlon Federation.

Health setback

Bakken was once considered a great talent. He made his World Cup debut in March 2022. In the same year he also achieved a World Cup victory. But shortly afterwards a health setback caught up with him and he suffered from myocarditis. It wasn’t until the 2024/25 season that he made his comeback in the IBU Cup, where he achieved several podium finishes. This winter, Bakken also returned to the World Cup squad and achieved several top ten finishes. In Östersund he recently came fourth over 20 kilometers.

Teammate Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen expressed dismay on Instagram: “You were back!! At the top of the range, at the top of Norway’s highest mountains and at the top of life. The more you trained, the broader your gaze. You were the façade of devotion. Rest in peace now.”