According to information from the Norwegian outlet VG, the late Sivert Bakken had purchased the altitude mask online.
VG continues its investigation
The investigation into the tragic death of Sivert Bakken, who passed away on December 23 following an incident linked to hypoxic training, has reached a significant new stage.
While the biathlon world remains in mourning, Norwegian investigators are now focusing on the equipment used on the day of the tragedy.
According to VG, police attention is centered on the altitude mask — set to simulate an altitude of 7,000 meters — worn by the athlete at the time of the incident.
An online purchase outside federation channels
The Norwegian media outlet reports that the equipment was not supplied by the national team’s coaching staff. The mask was allegedly purchased directly via the online retailer Altitude Zone, at a price of around €3,000.
This finding is central to the investigation, as authorities are trying to determine whether a technical malfunction of the device caused the fatal asphyxiation, or whether the issue was its use without strict medical supervision.
Equipment seized and under analysis
The mask has been seized by police and is currently undergoing detailed technical analysis. Investigators are examining whether the valve system — designed to regulate oxygen intake and simulate altitude — functioned properly.
This revelation raises serious questions about the unrestricted sale of such “consumer-grade” equipment to athletes seeking to optimize their training at home, sometimes at the expense of their own safety.
The use of simulated altitude has been legal in Norwegian sport since 2021.
As of now, no direct link has been officially established between the use of the altitude mask and Bakken’s death. The 27-year-old athlete had also previously suffered from a heart condition.
