Tributes have flooded social media following the tragic death of a Winter Olympian on Friday. Linas Banys, who competed at the Winter Olympics in Beijing four years ago, has died, at the age of 27.

The Lithuanian Biathlon Federation announced 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 Anyksciai resident ended his career as a biathlete in 2024. Our sympathies to the family, relatives and the entire biathlon community.”,

In a heartfelt tribute, one supporter remarked: “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 commented.

Another wrote: “That’s a shock. Rest in Peace, Linas.”

Banys secured 14th place alongside his team-mates at Beijing in the men’s 4×7.5km relay.

It marks the second occasion in a short period that the biathlon community has been thrown into mourning.

It follows the tragic death of Sivert Guttorm Bakken, 27, who was discovered dead in his hotel room during a training camp in the Italian Alps.

At the time, Norwegian Biathlon Association secretary general Emilie Nordskar stated: “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 vying for a place in the Norwegian Winter Olympics team for the forthcoming games at the time of his passing.