Norwegian biathlete Bakken was wearing an altitude mask when he died

The association is “currently not aware of the circumstances surrounding the acquisition and use of this mask”. We will try to obtain further information on this matter in the coming days.

The athlete’s autopsy will be carried out in Italy over the Christmas holidays, the association also said. Contact has been established between the Italian police and the relatives.

Secretary General appeals to the media

There is currently no information on possible causal relationships. “The police and forensic medicine will clarify what happened and the cause of death. As soon as we have further information, we will inform the press,” the association said.

Emilie Nordskar, the acting general secretary of the Norwegian Biathlon Association, also appealed to the press: “We understand the media’s need for information, but at the same time it is essential that the police and forensics on site are given the necessary calm to do their work and determine the facts.”

Bakken was recently back among the world’s best

Bakken was once considered a great talent. He made his World Cup debut in March 2022. In the same year he also achieved a World Cup victory. But shortly afterwards a health setback caught up with him and he suffered from myocarditis. It wasn’t until the 2024/25 season that he made his comeback in the IBU Cup, where he achieved several podium finishes.

This winter, Bakken also returned to the World Cup squad and achieved several top ten finishes. He most recently came fifth in the last sprint race of the year in Le Grand-Bornand, France, last Friday.