Norwegian Biathlete Sivert Bakken Dies in Italy

Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, a 27-year-old Olympic hopeful, was found dead in his hotel room during a training camp in Lavazè, Italy, the International Biathlon Union confirmed Tuesday.

Italian authorities verified the death, though the cause remains undetermined, according to the Norwegian Biathlon Federation. Bakken had traveled to the high-altitude site in the Italian Alps with teammates for preparations ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. He was discovered in his room after failing to appear for scheduled activities, local reports indicated. The federation is cooperating with investigators, and a crisis support team has been activated for his teammates, family, and the broader Norwegian biathlon community.

Bakken, from Lillehammer, Norway, emerged as a rising star in the sport during the 2021-2022 season. He secured his first and only individual World Cup victory in the 15-kilometer mass start event at Holmenkollen in Oslo, clinching the season-long small crystal globe in that discipline before a home crowd. Over 31 World Cup appearances, he notched four wins in total. He also held titles as the reigning European champion in the 10-kilometer...