Overview
- Authorities say the Norwegian athlete was discovered in his hotel room in Lavazè during a training camp, and the cause of death has not been determined.
- Italian police are leading the investigation, and an autopsy is being carried out over the Christmas period with full cooperation from the Norwegian federation and the IBU.
- The federation reported he was wearing an altitude or hypoxia training mask when found and urged against speculation as the circumstances of its purchase and use remain unknown.
- Bakken had returned to top-level competition after a myocarditis diagnosis in 2022, posting strong results this season including fourth in Östersund and fifth in Le Grand-Bornand.
- IBU President Olle Dahlin and leading athletes offered tributes, and crisis support has been provided to teammates and family as the biathlon community mourns.