Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who was gearing up for the Winter Olympics in February, has tragically passed away at the age of 27. Bakken had made a remarkable return to competitive biathlon in 2024 after being sidelined since 2022 due to a heart condition known as myocarditis.
Olle Dahlin, the president of the International Biathlon Union, expressed the profound impact Bakken’s comeback had on the sport and its community, noting that it brought “immense joy” to everyone involved. He stated, “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.”
The news of Bakken’s death, reported by local media, came after he was found in his hotel room in Lavaze, located in the Italian Alps, where he had been participating in a training camp. The loss of such a young athlete is deeply felt, and Dahlin emphasized, “His passing at such a young age is impossible to comprehend but he will not be forgotten and he will forever remain in our hearts.”
This tragic event not only highlights the fragility of life but also serves as a reminder of Bakken’s inspiring journey back to the sport he loved, inspiring many with his courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. His legacy in biathlon will undoubtedly resonate within the community for years to come.
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