Biathlon: After Heart Problems – Sivert Guttorm Bakken Wins European Championship Gold ‘It Means Everything’

After a challenging two-year period without training due to heart issues, Sivert Guttorm Bakken has made an inspiring comeback by winning the gold medal in the men’s sprint at the European Championships in biathlon. His health struggles began in 2022 after his third COVID vaccine dose triggered a rare case of heart sac inflammation, a condition that severely impacted his ability to train, especially considering his history of heart surgery.

Bakken returned to competition in November 2024, and his victory on Friday stands as a testament to his resilience. "It means everything," he told SVT Sport, expressing the profound significance of his win. SVT Sport expert Mona Brorsson recalled that during the 2021/2022 World Cup season, Bakken achieved notable success by winning the mass start at Holmenkollen, a highlight on home soil, before his health setback. Brorsson emphasized the long road to recovery that Bakken has endured.

In the same race, Swedish biathlete Emil Nykvist emerged as the best Swedish performer, finishing sixth overall despite starting the final lap in third place, 15 seconds behind Bakken. The European Championships continue with additional events scheduled for the following day, promising more competitive action in the sport of biathlon.