Linas Banys, a young Olympic biathlon athlete, has died at the age of 27. The news came on Friday through an official statement from the Lithuanian Biathlon Federation, leaving the sports world shocked. He had represented Lithuania at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and competed at the highest level for years. His sudden death has deeply affected fans, teammates, and the global biathlon community, with tributes coming in from across countries.
Linas Banys death shocks biathlon world as Lithuanian Biathlon Federation confirms tragic loss at 27
The Lithuanian Biathlon Federation shared the heartbreaking news in a public message. It read, “[Translated] The tragic news shocked the Lithuanian biathlon family: just 27-year-old biathlonist Linas Banys died. Linas represented Lithuania in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, three World Championships, World Cup competitions, and during his career he also won the title of national champion. The Anykščiai resident ended his career as a biathlete in 2024. Our sympathies to the family, relatives and the entire biathlon community.”Banys had built a strong career in a short time. He competed in multiple top events and proudly represented his country on the Olympic stage. At the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, he finished 14th in the men’s 4×7.5 km relay along with his teammates. Even after stepping away from the sport in 2024, he remained a respected name in Lithuanian biathlon. A funeral for Banys is scheduled for Saturday, March 21. As the news spread, fans, fellow athletes, and sports pages began sharing messages of support for his family.
Tributes pour in worldwide as fans remember Linas Banys while recent Sivert Guttorm Bakken death adds to grief
Soon after the announcement, tributes started coming from across the biathlon world. Social media pages, including the Czech Republic biathlon community, shared their condolences. Fans from Lithuania and beyond also sent messages, remembering Banys not just as an athlete but as a person.This loss comes just months after another tragedy in the sport. Sivert Guttorm Bakken, also 27, died in December last year during a training camp in Italy. He was found in his hotel room while preparing for a possible place in Norway’s Winter Olympics squad.At that time, Emilie Nordskar said, “Our thoughts are first and foremost with Sivert’s family and with everyone close to him, both in Norway and abroad. We are cooperating with the Italian authorities on site.”With two young athletes gone within months, the biathlon community is going through a difficult time. For now, the focus remains on remembering their journeys and standing with their families.
