Tributes have poured in on social media after the tragic death of a 27-year-old athlete who competed at the Winter Olympics in biathlon
Tributes have poured in on social media following the tragic death of a 27-year-old Winter Olympian on Friday (March 20).
Linas Banys, who competed at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, has died, a statement has confirmed. The Lithuanian Biathlon Federation said on Friday: “The tragic news shocked the Lithuanian biathlon family: 27-year-old biathlonist Linas Banys has 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.
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“Our sympathies to the family, relatives and the entire biathlon community.”
In a touching tribute, one fan said: “Linas was always one of my favourites of the lesser known athletes with his insanely fast shooting and race style. He will be missed deeply in Lithuania and everywhere.”
“Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and Lithuanian biathlon,” a second said. And another added: “That’s a shock. Rest in Peace, Linas.”
Banys finished 14th along with his team-mates at Beijing in the Men’s 4×7.5km relay.
It’s the second time in a short period the biathlon world has been plunged into mourning after the tragic death of Sivert Guttorm Bakken, 27, who was found dead in his hotel room during a training camp in the Italian Alps.
At the time, Norwegian Biathlon Association secretary general 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.”
Bakken had been competing for a spot in the Norwegian Winter Olympics squad for the upcoming games at the time of his death.