The biathlon world is in mourning following the sudden death of Norwegian athlete Sivert guttorm Bakken, who passed away Tuesday at the age of 27. Bakken,a World Cup winner adn rising star in the sport,was found deceased in his hotel room in Lavazè,Italy,during a training camp [[1]] and [[2]]. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, and the close-knit biathlon community is grappling with the loss of a promising talent.
A former World Cup winner and rising star in biathlon, Sivert Guttorm Bakken, has died at the age of 27. The Norwegian athlete was found deceased in his hotel room in Lavazè, Italy, on Tuesday, according to statements from the Norwegian Biathlon Association and the International Biathlon Union.
December 24, 2025, 05:56December 24, 2025, 07:14
The Norwegian Biathlon Association confirmed receiving notification from Italian authorities that Bakken, 27, of Lillehammer, was found dead in his hotel room in Lavazè, Italy.
Sivert Guttorm Bakken was only 27 years old. Bild: keystone
“Our thoughts are first and foremost with Sivert’s family and everyone close to him, both in Norway and abroad,” said Emilie Nordskar, acting General Secretary of the Association, in a statement. “We are cooperating with the Italian authorities on the ground.”
Bakken was once considered a major talent in the sport. He made his World Cup debut in March 2022 and secured a World Cup victory later that same year. His career faced a setback shortly after, as a heart muscle inflammation – believed to be triggered by a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine – required surgery.
He made a successful return to competition in the IBU Cup during the 2024/25 season, earning multiple podium finishes. This winter, Bakken rejoined the World Cup circuit and achieved several top-ten results, including a fourth-place finish in the 20km event at the season opener in Östersund. The news of his passing comes as a shock to the biathlon community and cuts short a promising career.
