Tributes have flooded social media following the tragic death of 27-year-old Winter Olympian Linas Banys, who competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The Lithuanian Biathlon Federation confirmed his death on Friday, stating: 'The tragic news shocked the Lithuanian biathlon family: 27-year-old biathlete Linas Banys has died.'
Banys represented Lithuania at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, three World Championships, and World Cup competitions. He also won the title of national champion during his career. The Anyksciai resident ended his career as a biathlete in 2024. The federation expressed sympathies to his family, relatives, and the biathlon community.
Fans paid heartfelt tributes, with one saying: 'Linas was always one of my favourites of the lesser known athletes with his insanely fast shooting and race style.' Another added: 'Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and Lithuanian biathlon.' Banys finished 14th alongside his team-mates in the Men's 4x7.5km relay at the Beijing Games.
This marks the second recent tragedy in the biathlon world, following the death of 27-year-old Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who was found dead in his hotel room during a training camp in the Italian Alps. Bakken had been vying for a place in the Norwegian Winter Olympics squad.
