While he had just taken part in the Biathlon World Cup events organized this weekend in Grand-Bornand, Sivert Guttorm Bakken died this Tuesday, his body having been found lifeless in his hotel room in Italy.
The Norwegian biathlon team is in mourning. Through a press release published this Tuesday late afternoon, the Norwegian Biathlon Federation (NSF) announced the death of Sivert Guttorm Bakken, aged 27.
While he had just participated in the World Cup events organized this weekend in Grand-Bornand, where he notably took fifth place in the sprint won by his compatriot Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen, the native of Lillehammer was found dead in the hotel room he occupied in the Italian resort of Lavazè. Information that the NSF was able to confirm with the transalpine authorities, who added that “the causes of death are currently unknown”.
Italian authorities confirmed Bakken’s death
“Our thoughts go first and foremost to Sivert’s family and all his loved ones, in Norway and abroad,” added NSF Acting Secretary General Emilie Nordskar in a press release. We are fully cooperating with the Italian authorities on site. Teammates ask for calm and respect during this difficult time. »
A ceremony in memory of Sivert Guttorm Bakken will be organized this Tuesday in Norway. Arriving on the World Cup circuit in January 2021 during the stage organized in Oberhof, he experienced his first podium during Norway’s victory during the relay organized in Östersund in December of the same year. As an individual, he only experienced the thrill of victory once.
It dates back to March 20, 2022 during the mass start contested in front of its audience in Oslo-Holmenkollen at the conclusion of the season. However, his career came to a terrible halt when he was diagnosed with pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart. Absent during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons, Sivert Guttorm Bakken returned to competition at the end of November 2024 in the IBU Cup. Last January, the Norwegian won the title of European sprint champion and his performances opened the door to the World Cup again at the start of the season, being present both in Östersund and in Grand-Bornand.
