Lithuanian biathlete Linas Banys has passed away at the age of 27, the country's biathlon federation announced on Friday.
The athlete from Anykščiai represented his nation at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
He took part in the individual, sprint and relay events.
His best result came in the men's 4x7.5km relay, finishing 14th alongside his teammates.
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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.
The 27-year-old stepped away from competitive biathlon in 2024, having participated in the IBU Cup during the 2023/24 season.
His final competitive appearances came before he brought his career to a close two years ago.
Lithuanian biathlete Linas Banys has passed away at the age of 27
|GETTY
The Lithuanian Biathlon Federation confirmed the devastating news through a statement published on its website on Friday.
The organisation described how the announcement had sent shockwaves through the nation's biathlon community.
The federation said: "The tragic news shocked the Lithuanian biathlon family: just 27-year-old biathlete Linas Banys has died."
The governing body extended its condolences to those affected by the loss. "Our sympathies go to the family, relatives and the entire biathlon community," the statement added.
Banys' funeral has been arranged for Saturday, March 21.
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The athlete from Anykščiai represented his nation at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
|GETTY
The circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed, with the cause remaining unclear at present.
The biathlon world has been struck by tragedy twice in recent months, following the death of Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, also 27, in December last year.
Federation president Arūnas Daugirdas spoke of his devastation following the news.
He told Lithuanian media: "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 to the late athlete in an interview with TV3.
His best result came in the men's 4x7.5km relay, finishing 14th alongside his teammates
|GETTY
He said: "I will remember Linas fondly for the rest of my life. He will always be remembered as a very warm person," he said.
Messages of condolence flooded social media following the federation's announcement.
One supporter wrote: "Our thoughts are with the family, friends and Lithuanian biathlon."
Another fan expressed disbelief at the news, revealing they had been in contact with Banys recently.
Others simply offered their condolences to his loved ones.
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