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Italian biathlete Tommaso Giacomel fights back tears while speaking to media after the death of Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, before the IBU Biathlon World Cup in Oberhof. Hendrik Schmidt/dpa
Italian biathlete Tommaso Giacomel is finding it hard to control his emotions in connection with the death of his Norwegian friendly rival Sivert Guttorm Bakken and said he would dedicate a possible Olympic gold medal next month to him.
"It is up and down. I have many negative thoughts, especially in the evenings when I go to bed and close my eyes," a tearful Giacomel told reporters on the eve of Thursday's start of World Cup events in Oberhof, Germany.
"But I am lucky that I have my girlfriend and my family at home. They are a big help, without them it would be much tougher."
Bakken was found dead in his hotel room on December 23 at a training camp in Italy by team-mate and World Cup leader Johan-Olaf Botn. He was wearing a altitude training face mask. The cause of the death remains unknown, with autopsy results possibly not expected until March.
Bakken will be laid to rest on Tuesday in Lillehammer. Many Norwegian tam members are set to be present, leaving Oberhof on Monday after the races there, and then returning to Germany for the next races in Ruhpolding from Wednesday.
Giacomel, who had been friends with Bakken since 2017, said he would also like to be present at the funeral but is not sure because of the Ruhpolding events.
The Oberhof races are the first since the death of Bakken, who was fifth in a sprint a few days before Christmas in France. The ruling body IBU has announced a tribute to Bakken before the first race on Thursday.
Giacomel said the first meeting at the venue with the Norwegians on Monday was terrible, saying "I started to cry immediately. He was supposed to be here and isn't." He said his training focus was zero on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old said he would compete despite the mourning.
"I will give my best to make him proud. And that is what Sivert would have wanted. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't ready to compete," he said.
Giacomel added that he would dedicate an Olympic gold medal next month at the Milan/Cortina home Games to Bakken, who was well placed to be part of Norway's team there.
Giacomel said he hasn't sought professional help but was supported by his girlfriend who herself lost a close friend last year.
"2025 was difficult for us as a couple. We are strengthening each other," he said.
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