Olympic star suddenly dies aged 27 as statement is released by federation

Biathlete Linas Banys, who competed for Lithuania in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, has died.

Banys, 27, won three World Championship titles during his career, as well as competing in World Cup events, and was also a national champion of Lithuania.

On Friday (20 March), the Lithuanian Biathlon Federation confirmed Banys’ death in a statement posted to its website.

A statement translated from Lithuanian to English read: “The tragic news shocked the Lithuanian biathlon family: just 27-year-old biathlete Linas Banys has died.

“Linas represented Lithuania in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, three World Championships and 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 go to the family, relatives and the entire biathlon community.”

The athlete’s funeral is scheduled to take place tomorrow (21 March), while the cause of death remains unclear at this time.

Following the news of Banys’ death, tributes began pouring in, with Lithuanian Biathlon Federation president Arūnas Daugirdas telling media outlet Lrytas of his shock.

“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,” he said.

Meanwhile, former teammate Karol Dombrovski told TV3: “I will remember Linas fondly for the rest of my life. He will always be remembered as a very warm person.”

Fans also reacted in the comments section of Biathlon LTU’s social media post.

One said: “Our thoughts are with the family, friends and Lithuanian biathlon.”

Another added: “I sincerely can’t believe what I’m seeing — I was in contact with him very recently.”

A third commented: “That’s a shock. Rest in peace, Linas.”

A fourth wrote: “Our condolences to the family.”

Banys called time on his biathlon career in 2024, having taken part in the IBU Cup during the 2023/24 season.

At the 2022 Winter Olympics, he competed in three events – the individual, sprint and relay – finishing 79th, 90th and 14th.