Sivert Bakken dead at just 27, biathlon world in shock

Dramatic news has shaken the world of sports and biathlon in particular: Sivert Bakken, a biathlete for the Norwegian national team, died at just 27 years old in Varena, Val di Fiemme, where he was spending a few days off ahead of the upcoming 2025-2026 World Cup events. The cause of death is not known.

Bakken had raced just a few days ago in Annecy, finishing 20th in the mass start on Sunday, December 21. Immediate condolences from the International Biathlon Union, the Norwegian Federation and colleagues of Bakken, a native of Lillehammer and career winner of four World Cup races (three relays and one individual).

“We are speechless at the news of Sivert–s passing,” reads the official channels of the IBU, the International Biathlon Federation. “Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, his teammates and all those close to him at this very difficult time”.