Swedish Biathletes Reflect on the Tragic Loss of Sivert Guttorm Bakken

The Swedish biathlon community continues to grapple with the shock following the sudden death of Norwegian athlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who died at 27 on December 23, 2025. Found in his hotel room in Lavazé, Italy, Bakken’s passing has cast a somber mood over the sport, especially among his Swedish counterparts.

Martin Ponsiluoma described the atmosphere as "empty," noting the deep emotional impact on athletes training and competing in Oberhof. Elvira Öberg called the news "incredibly tragic," emphasizing how it has affected team morale.

Fellow Swedish biathletes, including Sebastian Samuelsson and Victor Brandt, have shared their reflections. Brandt expressed shock, recalling a recent conversation with Bakken in Östersund. Samuelsson and coach Johannes Lukas highlighted the importance of respecting Bakken’s memory without speculating on the circumstances, particularly regarding the reported use of a high-altitude mask by Bakken, which the Swedish team does not use.

Bakken had made a notable comeback to competition after a hiatus due to heart problems, making his loss even more poignant. To honor his legacy, a memorial tribute is planned before the men’s sprint race in Oberhof on January 11, an event that will be broadcast on SVT1/Play.

As Swedish athletes prepare for upcoming competitions, they are united in their aim to honor Bakken’s memory while continuing to focus on their sport amidst grief.