Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken found dead / Photo: Olivier CHASSIGNOLE - AFP
Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken found dead
Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, 27, has been found dead in his hotel room in Lavaze, Italy, the Norwegian Biathlon Association said Tuesday, adding that the cause of death was unknown.
The sports governing body said the athlete's death had been confirmed by Italian authorities.
"Our thoughts are first and foremost with Sivert’s family and with everyone close to him, both in Norway and abroad. We are cooperating with the Italian authorities on site," acting secretary general Emilie Nordskar said in a statement.
The association said crisis teams would follow up with fellow athletes and next of kin.
Bakken won his first World Cup race in the 15-kilometre mass start in Oslo Holmenkollen in 2022.
However, after his successful 2021-2022 season, his career was halted due to heart problems.
But after a long way back he has represented Norway in the Biathlon World Cup over the past few weekends.
Bakken competed in the World Cup event at Le Grand Bornand in France at the weekend and was 13th in this season's overall standings.
E.Gutiérrez--ECdLR
