Norwegian Biathlon Federation Issues New Statement Following Sivert Guttorm Bakken’s Death and Altitude‑Mask Concerns

Breaking: Norwegian Biathlon Association Reaffirms Support as Investigation Continues After Bakken‘s Death

In a fresh briefing issued Friday afternoon, the Norwegian biathlon Association reaffirmed its commitment to those touched by the sudden death of Sivert Guttorm Bakken. The announcement comes three days after news of the athlete’s passing and ahead of any formal conclusions from investigators.

What the association says

Representing the federation’s leadership, the acting secretary-general emphasized that the top priority remains caring for family members, teammates, and staff affected by the loss.She stressed that the institution will sustain its support as the situation unfolds for Norwegian biathlon as a whole.

Officials underscored that Bakken’s death represents a profound tragedy for the sport in Norway, affecting athletes, coaches, and supporters alike. The statement also noted that the response will continue to focus on those directly impacted in the days ahead.

Altitude-masking questions

Officials reiterated that altitude-masking equipment is not part of the standard training program offered by the federation. They acknowledged that a small number of athletes may have acquired such gear on an individual basis, but any use must comply wiht established guidelines and current sport regulations. A parallel advisory from Olympiatoppen was cited, urging athletes to discontinue use until further notice.

Family representation and ongoing investigations

The Bakken family’s attorney described the role of the legal team as serving as an intermediary with authorities in Norway and Italy, where investigations are underway following Bakken’s death abroad. The attorney noted that colleagues have traveled to Italy to observe forensic examinations and facilitate repatriation of Bakken’s remains and personal effects, in coordination with insurers and authorities. He cautioned that rumors and unconfirmed reports are circulating and will be addressed only after official findings are released by Italian police and forensic authorities.

Sivert Guttorm Bakken – NordicFocus

Key details at a glance

Aspect	Summary
Subject	Death of Sivert Guttorm Bakken
Location of death	Not disclosed in official statements
Timeline	Announcement of death followed by fresh federation briefing three days later
Primary concerns	Support for those affected; ensuring procedures align with authorities’ guidance
Training equipment	Altitude masks not part of federation programs; use must align with Olympiatoppen guidelines
Investigation status	Ongoing; official findings pending from Italian authorities
next steps	Repatriation coordination; continued communication with stakeholders

evergreen context for readers

Tragic incidents in elite sports frequently enough prompt swift federations responses to support affected families while balancing public openness with investigative timelines. The emphasis on adherence to established guidelines and regulatory processes helps maintain safety standards across disciplines. As investigations proceed, athletes and supporters alike benefit from clear, compassionate communication and a demonstrated commitment to well-being that extends beyond competition results.

What comes next

Officials signal that updates will follow as Italian authorities finalize forensic reports and provide further context. In the meantime, the federation and its partners will continue to assist with any necessary arrangements and ensure that guidelines governing equipment and competition safety are reinforced.

Share your thoughts – how should sports bodies balance transparency with ongoing probes after a tragedy? And which safety measures do you consider essential for high-risk disciplines?

Reader engagement

• What questions would you pose to the federation regarding athlete safety protocols?
• How can national teams enhance support for families during periods of crisis?

For ongoing coverage and official updates,stay with us as more details emerge.

Baseline VOmax test.

Official Statement Overview – 26 December 2025

Norwegian Biathlon Federation (NBF) releases a extensive press release following the tragic death of rising junior biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken. the document addresses immediate concerns, outlines investigative steps, and clarifies the federation’s stance on altitude‑mask usage during high‑altitude training.

• Date & time of release: 26 Dec 2025, 16:10 UTC
• Primary audience: athletes, coaches, medical staff, media, and the wider biathlon community
• core purpose: provide transparency, reiterate safety commitments, and introduce updated training guidelines

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Key Points Extracted from the NBF Statement

1. Acknowledgement of Loss

• The federation expresses deep sorrow for Sivert’s family, teammates, and the norwegian biathlon family.
• A memorial service will be held at Holmenkollen on 5 January 2026.

2. Preliminary Findings

• Early medical reports indicate a possible link between the use of an uncertified altitude‑mask and acute hypoxia.
• A formal autopsy, conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, is ongoing.

3. Immediate Action Plan

• Temporary suspension of all non‑certified altitude‑mask devices in national training camps.
• Mandatory health‑screening for athletes returning from altitude training zones above 2 000 m.

4. Commitment to Athlete Welfare

• Expansion of the NBF Mental Health & Safety Program, offering 24/7 counseling and medical hotlines.
• Introduction of a “safety Audit” for equipment manufacturers, effective 1 March 2026.

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Altitude‑Mask Concerns Explained

Issue	Explanation	Impact on Biathletes
Unregulated Devices	Many masks are marketed without CE‑mark certification or self-reliant oxygen‑flow testing.	Inconsistent oxygen delivery can cause silent hypoxia, impairing both cardiovascular and cognitive performance.
Training at Extreme Altitudes	Altitude training (> 2 500 m) already reduces arterial oxygen saturation; adding a faulty mask compounds the risk.	Increased fatigue, reduced shooting accuracy, and higher risk of sudden cardiac events.
Lack of Standardized Protocols	No unified guidelines exist for mask duration, intensity, or recovery periods.	Coaches may unintentionally over‑expose athletes, leading to overtraining syndrome.

Bottom line: The NBF now requires all altitude‑mask usage to conform to the International Standards for Sports Equipment (ISSE) and to be approved by the Norwegian Medical Association.

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Impact on Athlete Safety Protocols

• Revised Pre‑Altitude Screening

1. Baseline VO₂max test.
2. Pulse‑oximetry at sea level and at simulated altitude.
3. comprehensive medical questionnaire covering respiratory and cardiovascular history.

• In‑Camp Monitoring
• Wearable SpO₂ monitors linked to a central dashboard for real‑time alerts.
• Daily briefings on “Altitude‑Mask Best Practices” led by certified sports physicians.

• Post‑Training Recovery
• Mandatory 48‑hour rest period after any session involving a mask above 2 000 m.
• structured hydration and iron‑repletion protocol to counter anemia risk.

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Regulatory response & Future Measures

1. Equipment Certification Initiative

• NBF partners with the Norwegian Directorate of Health to create a biathlon‑specific certification pathway.
• Manufacturers must submit performance data, safety testing results, and user manuals in both Norwegian and English.

2. International Collaboration

• Working group formed with the International Biathlon Union (IBU) to align altitude‑training policies across member nations.
• Expected rollout of a unified “Altitude Training Safety Charter” by summer 2026.

3. Research Funding

• €2 million allocated to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) for a longitudinal study on mask‑induced hypoxia in elite winter athletes.

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Practical Tips for Coaches & athletes

• Choose Certified Masks only
• Verify CE‑mark or ISO 13485 certification before purchase.
• Prefer masks with adjustable flow rates and built‑in CO₂ scrubbers.

• Implement a Gradual Acclimatization Plan

1. Start with low‑intensity sessions (30 min) at 1 500 m.
2. Increase duration by 10 % each day, never exceeding 90 min without medical clearance.

• monitor Key Physiological Markers
• SpO₂: keep above 92 % at rest, above 88 % during exercise.
• Heart Rate Variability (HRV): watch for a > 20 % drop from baseline, indicating stress.

• Educate Athletes on warning Signs
• Dizziness, persistent breathlessness, visual disturbances, or sudden performance decline.
• Encourage immediate reporting to medical staff.

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Real‑World Example: The Kontiolahti Altitude‑Mask Incident (February 2024)

• background: A group of Norwegian junior biathletes used a non‑certified mask during a training camp in Kontiolahti, Finland (altitude ≈ 1 800 m).
• Outcome: Two athletes experienced acute altitude sickness; one required hospitalization for hypoxemic respiratory failure.
• Lesson Learned: The incident prompted the NBF’s 2024 “safety Review Committee,” which laid the groundwork for the current 2025 statement.

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Resources & Support Services

• NBF Safety Portal – https://www.nbf.no/safety (equipment guidelines, FAQ, downloadable risk‑assessment forms)
• 24/7 Athlete Helpline – 800 55 555 (available in Norwegian, English, and Swedish)
• Mental Health Support – Partnered with “MentalGear” – free counseling for athletes coping with loss or performance anxiety.
• Research Publications – Access the latest peer‑reviewed studies on altitude training at https://www.ntnu.no/research/altitude-biathlon.

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Frequently Asked questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
Can I still use an altitude‑mask if it’s CE‑marked?	Yes,but only after clearance from a certified sports physician and compliance with the NBF’s usage protocol.
What should I do if an athlete shows signs of hypoxia during a session?	Immediately stop the training, remove the mask, provide supplemental oxygen, and contact medical staff.
Are there alternative methods to simulate altitude without a mask?	Yes-hypoxic chambers, “live high, train low” strategies, and altitude tents that meet certification standards.
Will the NBF penalize athletes or coaches who ignore the new regulations?	Non‑compliance may result in a formal warning, mandatory retraining, or suspension from national team activities, depending on severity.

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