Norwegian biathletes banned from using hypoxic masks after Bakken’s death

Norwegian biathletes have been banned indefinitely from using hypoxic masks following the death of three-time European champion Sievert Bakken, said Emily Nordskar, acting secretary general of the Norwegian Biathlon Association.

The death of 27-year-old Bakken became known on Tuesday. The Norwegian Biathlon Association said the athlete was wearing a hypoxic mask when his body was discovered in a hotel room in Italy.

— There were many questions regarding the use of high-altitude (hypoxic) masks by our athletes. All we can say is that the use of this type of equipment is not part of the organized training program of the Norwegian Biathlon Association.

However, we are aware that some athletes have purchased such equipment. Any use of it must, of course, comply with the rules of the Olympic Council, which are also adhered to by the Norwegian Biathlon Association. The use of such equipment is not contrary to Norwegian sporting regulations.

However, we did the following: on Christmas Eve, we sent out a message to all our athletes that all use of this equipment must immediately cease until further notice,” Nordskar NRK quotes.

Bakken is the winner of the World Cup stages, the owner of the small Crystal Globe in the mass start competition. In 2022, Bakken was diagnosed with myocarditis.