Overview
- The Norwegian Biathlon Association said Bakken was discovered in his hotel room at the Lavazza resort in Trentino on Tuesday.
- Officials reported a hypoxic mask was on Bakken when he was found and said they do not yet know how or why it was obtained or used.
- The association expects more information in the coming days, with formal autopsy results to follow after the holiday period.
- Bakken was a three-time European champion, a two-time Youth Olympic champion, and a four-time World Cup race winner, including one mass start and three relays.
- He had returned this season after heart problems kept him out from spring 2022 to November 2024, racing six times with a fourth place in Östersund and a 20th place most recently in France, as tributes poured in from peers including Tommaso Giacomel and Johannes Bø.