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  "path": "/sport/olympic-star-dies-aged-27-as-statement-sparks-outpour-of-tributes",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-20T17:43:40.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Ricky Hatton packed bags for flight and had planned to see parents before death, son tells inquest",
    "Arsenal chief set to hold crunch talks as Manchester City Carabao Cup final nears",
    "Thomas Tuchel makes huge decisions as England boss announces penultimate squad before World Cup",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nLithuanian biathlete Linas Banys has passed away at the age of 27, the country's biathlon federation announced on Friday.\n\nThe athlete from Anykščiai represented his nation at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe took part in the individual, sprint and relay events.\n\nHis best result came in the men's 4x7.5km relay, finishing 14th alongside his teammates.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThroughout his sporting career, Banys claimed three World Championship titles and competed at World Cup level.\n\nHe also secured the Lithuanian national championship during his time in the sport.\n\nThe 27-year-old stepped away from competitive biathlon in 2024, having participated in the IBU Cup during the 2023/24 season.\n\nHis final competitive appearances came before he brought his career to a close two years ago.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe Lithuanian Biathlon Federation confirmed the devastating news through a statement published on its website on Friday.\n\nThe organisation described how the announcement had sent shockwaves through the nation's biathlon community.\n\nThe federation said: \"The tragic news shocked the Lithuanian biathlon family: just 27-year-old biathlete Linas Banys has died.\"\n\nThe 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.\n\nBanys' funeral has been arranged for Saturday, March 21.\n\n### LATEST SPORT NEWS\n\n\n\n\n  * Ricky Hatton packed bags for flight and had planned to see parents before death, son tells inquest\n  * Arsenal chief set to hold crunch talks as Manchester City Carabao Cup final nears\n  * Thomas Tuchel makes huge decisions as England boss announces penultimate squad before World Cup\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed, with the cause remaining unclear at present.\n\nThe 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.\n\nFederation president Arūnas Daugirdas spoke of his devastation following the news.\n\nHe 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.\"\n\nFormer teammate Karol Dombrovski paid tribute to the late athlete in an interview with TV3.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe said: \"I will remember Linas fondly for the rest of my life. He will always be remembered as a very warm person,\" he said.\n\nMessages of condolence flooded social media following the federation's announcement.\n\nOne supporter wrote: \"Our thoughts are with the family, friends and Lithuanian biathlon.\"\n\nAnother fan expressed disbelief at the news, revealing they had been in contact with Banys recently.\n\nOthers simply offered their condolences to his loved ones.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Olympic star dies aged 27 as statement sparks outpour of tributes"
}