Sivert Guttorm Bakken, 27, dies while at Olympic training camp

Sivert Guttorm Bakken, a Norwegian biathlete who hoped to make the national team for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, died during the Olympic training camp in Italy, officials said. He was 27 years old.

Bakken’s death was described as “sudden.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club

He was found dead in his hotel room in Lavaze, in the Trentino region of Italy, Norwegian media reported. He was diagnosed with myocarditis in 2022 and then took a break from competition. He returned in 2024.

“The International Biathlon Union (IBU) is deeply saddened to learn that Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken has died at the age of 27 during a training camp in Italy,” the sport’s governing body said.

IBU president Olle Dahlin added that the sport was saddened by his death.

LINDSEY VONN QUALIFIES FOR FIFTH OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES

Norwegian Sivert Guttorm Bakken competes in the men’s 15km mass start event at the Biathlon World Cup in Anterselva, Italy, January 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, file)

“The IBU is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the sudden death of Sivert Bakken,” Dahlin said. “Sivert’s return to biathlon after a period of great difficulty was a source of immense joy for all members of the biathlon family and an inspiring demonstration of his resilience and determination.

“His passing at such a young age is impossible to understand, but he will not be forgotten and will forever remain in our hearts. The thoughts of the IBU are with Sivert’s family and friends, his team and all members of the Norwegian biathlon family at this very difficult time.”

Norwegian Sivert Guttorm Bakken competes in the mixed relay race during the Biathlon World Cup in Otpaa, Estonia, March 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Roman Koksarov, file)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP

Bakken was the reigning European champion in the 10 kilometer sprint and both relays.