At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Norwegian biathletes Johan-Olav Botn and Sturla Lægreid captured the gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the individual biathlon event. This victory came amidst deep sorrow as they paid tribute to their late teammate, Sivert Bakken, who tragically passed away in an incident prior to the event. On December 23, Bakken was found dead in a hotel room in Lavaze, Italy, where the team was training prior to the Annecy-Le Grand Bornand competition.

The emotional weight of this victory was profound for Botn, who, after crossing the finish line ahead of silver medalist Eric Perrot from France, raised his arms in triumph but immediately turned his thoughts to Bakken’s memory. This moment encapsulates the bond and camaraderie among the athletes, highlighting the challenges they faced in dealing with the loss of a teammate while still striving for excellence in their sport.

Botn had previously missed two World Cup events earlier in 2026 as he grappled with the impact of Bakken’s death. The show of resilience and dedication from both Botn and Lægreid during the Olympics not only honors Bakken’s legacy but also sheds light on the emotional depths athletes experience in high-pressure environments. Their success serves as a tribute to their fallen friend and an inspiring reminder of the human spirit under adversity.