Lithuanian biathlete Linas Banys passes away at 27
Lithuanian biathlete Linas Banys has passed away at the age of 27, the country’s biathlon federation announced on Friday, reports BritPanorama.
The athlete from Anykščiai represented his nation at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. He took part in the individual, sprint, and relay events, achieving his best result in the men’s 4×7.5km relay, where he finished 14th alongside his teammates.
Throughout his sporting career, Banys claimed three World Championship titles and competed at World Cup level. He also secured the Lithuanian national championship during his time in the sport. Banys stepped away from competitive biathlon in 2024, having participated in the IBU Cup during the 2023/24 season, with his final competitive appearances occurring two years prior.
The Lithuanian Biathlon Federation confirmed the news through a statement, describing how the announcement had sent shockwaves through the nation’s biathlon community. The federation stated: “The tragic news shocked the Lithuanian biathlon family: just 27-year-old biathlete Linas Banys has died.” Condolences were extended to those affected by the loss, with the federation adding, “Our sympathies go to the family, relatives and the entire biathlon community.” Banys’ funeral has been arranged for Saturday, March 21.
As of now, the circumstances surrounding his death remain undisclosed, leaving the cause unclear. The biathlon world has faced tragedy recently, having lost Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, also aged 27, in December last year. Federation president Arūnas Daugirdas expressed his devastation, stating, “It’s very sad. A person at the peak of his career, in the most wonderful phase of his life, and then this happens. It’s sad, very sad.”
Former teammate Karol Dombrovski paid tribute in an interview with TV3, saying, “I will remember Linas fondly for the rest of my life. He will always be remembered as a very warm person.” Following the federation’s announcement, messages of condolence poured in on social media. One supporter expressed their thoughts for Banys’ family and friends, while another fan shared their disbelief at the news, revealing they had been in contact with Banys recently.
The sudden loss of Linas Banys is a stark reminder of the fragility of life in the sporting world, where the peaks of success can be overshadowed by tragedy in an instant. Such moments force reflection on the community that binds athletes together, where friendships stretch beyond competition and into deeper connections.
