Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken has been found dead in his hotel room in Lavaze, Italy. The Norwegian Biathlon Association said the cause of the 27-year-old’s death was unknown.

Sivert’s comeback to biathlon after a period of great hardship was a source of immense joy for everyone in the biathlon family and an inspiring demonstration of his resilience and determination.

Bakken won his first World Cup race in the 15-kilometre mass start in Oslo Holmenkollen in 2022.

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 weeks.

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.

Norwegian public broadcaster NRK said Bakken had travelled to Lavaze for a high-altitude training camp.