It has been nearly six months since biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken was found dead during a training camp in Italy. Now, Olympiatoppen is taking measures.

The use of simulated altitude training has been discouraged by Olympiatoppen since December of last year. This recommendation followed the tragic discovery of biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who was found dead in his hotel room in Lavaze, Italy, on Christmas Eve. He was discovered wearing a so-called altitude mask.

Altitude masks are used to simulate higher elevations than what is actually present. It remains unclear whether the use of the mask was related to Bakken’s death.

Now, Olympiatoppen plans to clarify various aspects of the guidelines regarding the use of simulated altitude during the fall. Until the new protocol is established, its use is discouraged.

This was announced by sports president Zaineb Al-Samarai during a press conference on Tuesday.

Also Read: Cause of death still unclear as police continue Bakken investigation

Clear guidelines to be established

In the aftermath of Bakken’s death, Olympiatoppen communicated that they discourage the use of simulated altitude.

“Pending the facts surrounding the tragic death of Sivert Bakken, Olympiatoppen has decided and communicated to the sports that they discourage the use of simulated altitude for athletes who may be utilizing this method,” Olympiatoppen stated in a press release three days after Bakken’s death.

Now, six months later, the organization is set to clarify its guidelines in this area.

This winter, it was revealed that the Norwegian Biathlon Federation was aware of the use of altitude masks among certain athletes. At the same time, it became clear that no one had registered or monitored which athletes or environments were utilizing such techniques.

Last week, the sports president stated that Olympiatoppen will develop “a protocol that clarifies responsibilities and reporting requirements related to the existing guidelines.”

Olympiatoppen continues to advise against the use of simulated altitude until the protocol is finalized.

Al-Samarai also noted that Antidoping Norway will no longer receive registrations of simulated altitude use. From now on, these registrations will go to Olympiatoppen.

Previous ban lifted

Simulated altitude was previously banned in Norway, but the ban was lifted in 2021.

At the sports congress in 2025, the Board of the Norwegian Sports Federation was granted the authority to make any changes to the guidelines regarding the use of simulated altitude based on professional assessments. This is the authority that is now being utilized.

Sivert Guttorm Bakken was buried on January 13. Italian authorities promised to provide a forensic report by March at the latest. This report has yet to be released.

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