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Norwegian biathlete Johan-Olav Botn competes in the men's sprint 10 km of the 2024 Biathlon World Cup at the Lotto Thueringen Arena at Rennsteig. Martin Schutt/dpa
Norwegian biathlete Johan-Olav Botn has opened up about the death of team-mate and friend Sivert Guttorm Bakken, and said he aims to continue performing well for him.
World Cup leader Botn told broadcasters TV2 late Friday that he found Bakken dead in his room at a training camp in Italy on December 23.
"Sivert and I wanted to go skiing on that morning at 9am. I wanted to pass by his room to get the car keys and get a few skis and poles out of the car. That's when I found him lifeless in his room," he said.
Botn spoke of "an absolute state of shock and panic" when he realised his friend was dead.
"I saw that he was completely lifeless and pale in his face. I understood immediately that he was dead. It was a state of shock where you feel nothing but only try to help," he said.
The Norwegian federation said that Bakken was wearing an altitude training face mask when he was found. Botn stressed that although he has never done this it was not illegal, that other teams were also using those masks, and that they had observed all anti-doping regulations.
The cause of Botten's death is not known. Autopsy results may not be available until March.
Botn said he sought help from a psychologist because "I have some images in my head with which I have realised I will have to live for the rest of my life. I think it is wise to find a way to live with these images."
He said he want through "many emotions" over Christmas but is now slowly feeling better. He said he was in contact with Batten's parents and plans to see them in athe near future.
"My first thoughts were with them. You almost feel responsible when you are the first one to see him. I am thinking a lot about his family," he said.
Botn said he questioned many things but knows how important biathlon was for Bakken, who returned into the World Cup after two years this season and was fifth in a sprint in France two weeks ago.
The World Cup resumes next week in Germany and three-time season winner Botn said he will fight on.
"If I had lost my motivation I think I would have disappointed Sivert. We worked for this together. I know exactly what Sivert would expect from me: that I train and become as good as possible. The goal is clearer than ever before," Botn said.
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