Sivert Bakken's Remarkable Comeback Journey Unfolds

On March 20, 2022, Sivert Bakken reached a significant milestone: he delivered an impeccable performance in the mass start at Holmenkollen, finishing first and celebrating his inaugural individual World Cup victory while also clinching the overall mass start cup. However, these joyous moments in Oslo marked the conclusion of his competitive career for a prolonged period.

Following the season, Bakken faced a setback due to heart inflammation, which forced him into a hiatus lasting two and a half years. Now, he’s making considerable progress toward a comeback.

Although he intended to compete in the Norwegian Championships in roller skiing last weekend, an illness delayed those plans. Fortunately, it turned out to be nothing serious.
"It’s just a cold. It’s a bit annoying in the short term, but I’m in decent shape. I’m just riding it out," Bakken shared with Max.

Bakken recognizes the frustration of postponing his much-anticipated return after 30 months, yet he remains notably composed.
"For me, it doesn’t mean much. It would have been fun to race, but it’s just part of training. As long as I can train, it’s merely a slight delay that needs to be addressed," he explained.

The upcoming season opener at Natrudstilen is now positioned to be his first competition following this health setback. While it’s challenging to assess his current fitness, Bakken feels he has a grasp on his capabilities.
"It’s biathlon, so the outcome could be anything. But I have a rough idea of where I stand. I can’t predict my placement, but I certainly have more insight than just guessing," Bakken stated.

In general, his summer training has gone exceptionally well, surpassing all expectations. Although he was briefly sidelined by illness in the spring, he bounced back quickly and returned to training with enthusiasm.
"The summer has been very good, actually better than anticipated. I was sick for a little while in the spring, but I recovered swiftly and managed to train as I hoped. Compared to lying on the couch, it’s been fantastic!" he expressed.

Bakken reflects on his extended downtime due to illness, which dramatically changed his life. He transitioned from being a rising star in Norway to being completely out of action—unable to train or live as he once did.
"You could use many superlatives to describe that period. It’s easy to paint it as bleak since it’s been undeniably tough. However, I managed to stay positive even during my hardest times," he said.

Looking ahead to a formal return on November 16, excitement is building among fans eager to see what Bakken can accomplish against Norway's elite biathletes on the Sjusjøen course.
"I’m optimistic and believe things can progress rapidly, but everything’s relative. When I say ‘quickly,’ it might take two years to reach the required level again. Just returning to where I am now feels surprisingly fast," he remarked.

Bakken has refrained from setting specific goals for results in his comeback or the remainder of the season, acknowledging the challenges of nearly three years without competition and limited practice.
"The levels are sky-high. You can be quite good but still only compete in the Norwegian Cup. Opportunities aren’t guaranteed for anyone in Norway. I think it’s wise to remain patient," he concluded.

With a long-term focus, Bakken aims for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Antholz as a primary goal. Despite significant challenges ahead, he remains confident that with dedication and effort, he can reclaim his former status and potentially earn a position in elite competitions.