Sivert Bakken Biathlon Comeback: Will The Norwegian Star Return For The 2026/2027 Season?
Norwegian biathlon star Sivert Bakken is fighting his way back to the global stage after a prolonged absence due to severe health struggles. Once hailed as the future of Norwegian biathlon, his journey of resilience continues to captivate fans ahead of the winter season.
| Athlete Profile | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sivert Guttorm Bakken |
| Country | Norway |
| Birthdate | July 18, 1998 |
| Career Highlights | 2021/22 World Cup Mass Start Champion |
| Current Status | Conditioning and training for competitive return |
The Cardiac Setback That Paused a Rising Career
Before his career was put on hold, Sivert Bakken was rapidly establishing himself as a powerhouse in the biathlon world. During the 2021/22 season, Bakken claimed the prestigious Mass Start Crystal Globe and secured a dramatic victory on home soil in Holmenkollen, showcasing his elite shooting speed and skiing capacity.
However, his trajectory was completely derailed in May 2022 when he developed pericarditis—an inflammation of the heart membrane—following a COVID-19 booster vaccine. The diagnosis forced him to suspend all high-intensity training, sidelining him entirely from successive competitive seasons to prioritize long-term cardiovascular health.
Rather than rushing his recovery, Bakken and the Norwegian medical staff opted for an extremely cautious, step-by-step rehabilitation process. This measured approach has been crucial, as premature cardiovascular strain could have permanently ended his professional sports career.
How to Follow Bakken's Progress and Return to the Snow
For biathlon enthusiasts looking to track Bakken’s training milestones, several avenues provide real-time updates:
- Official IBU App: Provides real-time data, shooting percentages, and race statistics once he returns to IBU-sanctioned events.
- Norwegian Biathlon Association (NSSF): Publishes official squad announcements, medical updates, and training camp reports.
- Summer Biathlon Festivals: Keep an eye on local Norwegian rollerski events, which serve as the first physical indicators of his race fitness.
Bakken's potential return adds incredible intrigue to an already dominant Norwegian team that features superstars like Johannes Thingnes Bø and Sturla Holm Lægreid. His presence back in the starting gate would bolster Norway's formidable relay depth and shake up the World Cup landscape.
"This One was for Sivert" - International Biathlon Union
The Long Road to the 2026/2027 World Cup Season
As of August 11, 2026, the immediate focus for Bakken remains building back the massive aerobic base required for elite biathlon. The Norwegian national team selection process is notoriously brutal, meaning he will need to prove his form in regional races before earning a spot on the World Cup roster.
The first true test of his fitness is expected to take place during the traditional season-opening races in Sjusjøen in November 2026. If his cardiovascular response remains stable under racing conditions, the biathlon community could see Bakken back in the starting gate for the 2026/2027 IBU World Cup tour.
While his comeback remains one of the most challenging physical undertakings in modern winter sports, Bakken’s determination has never wavered. The upcoming winter represents his most promising opportunity yet to reclaim his place among the world's biathlon elite.
