Ten days after the tragic death of Sivert Bakken, Johan-Olav Botn broke his silence in a wide-ranging interview with Norwegian TV2. The biathlete ranked first in the World Cup has recalled the painful moment of losing his friend, being the very person who found his lifeless body.
Ten days after the death of his teammate in the national team, with whom he shared the podium in the general classification of the IBU Cup (the lower circuit of biathlon) last season, Johan-Olav Botn broke his silence. The current World Cup overall leader gave a wide-ranging interview to Norwegian news station TV2, in which he admitted that he was the first to find Bakken’s body.
“Me and Sivert were supposed to go skiing at 9 in the morning. I was going to get my car keys to get skis and poles, and then I found him unconscious in the bedroom!”said the Norwegian biathlete.
“It was total shock and panic. My first instinct is to try to help. I tried to call the police and the emergency services but I couldn’t get hold of them. I ran for help!“explained Johan-Olav Botn.
“I saw that he was completely unresponsive and his face was pale. I understood that he was dead. It was a state of shock where you didn’t feel anything, but you were trying to help him!“the 26-year-old biathlete continued.
Only when the emergency services arrived, the Norwegian realized the tragedy
The World Cup leader took the opportunity to address the speculations related to the death of his friend. Although the Norwegian Biathlon Federation confirmed that Bakken was wearing an altitude mask at the time of his death, the cause of death remains unknown and the results of the autopsy will not be available until March at the latest.
“I ask everyone to respect the family, avoid speculation and wait for the end of the investigation before drawing conclusions!“said Johan-Olav Botn in his interview with Norwegian television.
“Sivert did nothing illegal. We respect Norwegian law, WADA and Norwegian Anti-Doping Agency rules!“declared Johan-Olav Botn.
He added: “You almost feel responsible when you’re the first to see the body. It becomes very personal. I think a lot about his loved ones, and my first thoughts were of them!“.
To learn to cope with the trauma, Botn consulted a psychologist
After the tragedy, Johan-Olav Botn immediately reunited with his friend, the Norwegian cross-country skier Karoline Simpson-Larsen, who was also in Lavazè. His teammates arrived at the hotel shortly after.
“They got the message. We all got together and tried to understand what happened. I’m so glad I wasn’t alone in Italy and I didn’t have to deal with it without anyone around me. There are images in my head that I know I will have to live with for the rest of my life. I think it is wise to find a way to learn to live with these images!“, testified Johan-Olav Botn.
“I feel a great need to say goodbye!”
Despite the tragedy and the shock, the 26-year-old biathlete has no intention of giving up after his excellent start to the season.
“If I had lost my motivation, I would have felt that I had let Sivert down. We worked together to achieve this. I know exactly what Sivert would expect from me: to train and become the best I can be.”.
Christmas was difficult and I went through many emotions. There are still ups and downs, but it’s getting better every day! I feel a great need to say goodbye to Sivert for the last time. I want to prioritize the funeral over the World Cup!“the Norwegian also admitted.
Sick for a few days, the World Cup leader at the Oberhof stage next weekend (January 8-11). This is partly because of his physical condition, but also because no funeral date has yet been announced, according to news.ro.
