Biathlete Bakken (27) died at training camp in Italy

At the season opener in Östersund he reached fourth, seventh and ninth place, and in the overall World Cup he appears to be the fifth best Norwegian in 13th position.

Trauer um Sivert Guttorm Bakken

Bakken had his first and only World Cup victory in the mass start in Oslo at the 2021/22 World Cup season finale and with it the “little crystal ball”. He was out of action for a long time due to a myocarditis he suffered in the same year and a subsequent operation before making his international comeback at the beginning of last season.

At the end of January he was crowned European sprint champion and is now working towards being nominated for the Olympic Games. He had to miss the Hochfilzen World Cup in mid-December due to a cold.

“Will never be forgotten”

“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.

World Association President Olle Dahlin was “deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news.” Sivert’s comeback was “a source of immense joy for the entire biathlon family and an inspiring example of his resilience and determination,” said the Swede in a press release: “His death at such a young age is incomprehensible, but he will remain unforgotten and will be in our hearts forever.”

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.”