Norwegian Biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken Passes Away at 27
Paris, 8 January 2026 – Sivert Guttorm Bakken, a promising Norwegian biathlete and Olympic hopeful, died suddenly at the age of 27 during a training camp in Italy. The International Biathlon Union (IBU) confirmed his passing, describing it as a shock to the biathlon community. Bakken had made an inspiring comeback after battling myocarditis, achieving top results in recent World Cup events and aiming for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Details of Bakken’s Passing
Bakken was found dead in his hotel room in Lavaze, Italy, on 23 December 2025. Norwegian media outlet NRK first reported the news, which the IBU later verified. He had competed in the Mass Start event in Le Grand-Bornand, France, just days before. The Norwegian Biathlon Association noted that an altitude mask found on him was not part of their official training programmes. His family has engaged lawyers to assist with procedures related to repatriating his remains to Norway, with an autopsy pending to clarify the cause of death.
IBU president Olle Dahlin expressed deep sadness, highlighting Bakken’s resilience after overcoming myocarditis in 2022. “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,” Dahlin said. Teammates, including Sturla Holm Lægreid, shared tributes, with Italian biathlete Tommaso Giacomel stating, “He should be here and he’s not.”
Career Highlights and Comeback
Bakken rose to prominence in the 2021-22 season, winning four World Cup races, including a mass start victory in Holmenkollen, Norway. He also secured the season-long mass start title that year. Diagnosed with myocarditis after the 2022 season, he took a break from competition. In November 2024, he returned to racing in the IBU Cup, marking a “spectacular comeback” as described by Madshus, his equipment sponsor.
This season, Bakken rejoined the Norwegian World Cup team, achieving several top-10 finishes, including fifth in the sprint in Le Grand-Bornand on 19 December 2025. He was nominated for the World Cup in Oberhof starting 8 January 2026. Bakken was the reigning European champion in the 10-kilometre sprint and two relays, and he expressed excitement about the 2029 World Championships in Holmenkollen as a realistic goal.
Key Facts and Achievements
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 27 |
| Nationality | Norwegian |
| World Cup Victories | 4 (including 1 individual and 3 relays) |
| Season Titles | Mass Start Discipline (2021-22) |
| European Championships | Champion in 10 km Sprint and 2 Relays (current titles) |
| Comeback | Returned after myocarditis diagnosis in 2022; competed in 2024-25 season |
| Olympic Aspirations | Hoping to compete in 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina |
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Sivert Guttorm Bakken’s death?
The cause of death remains unclear, with an autopsy pending. He was found dead in his hotel room during a training camp, and myocarditis was a prior health issue, but officials described it as sudden.
What was Bakken’s most notable achievement?
Bakken won four World Cup races in the 2021-22 season, including a mass start victory in his home country, and secured the mass start season title.
Did Bakken compete in the 2022 Winter Olympics?
No, he did not compete in Beijing 2022 due to his myocarditis diagnosis shortly after the season ended.