Henrik Bakken Funeral: Lillehammer Mourns Biathlete
norwegian Biathletes Mourn Teammate’s Sudden Death
The Norwegian biathlon team, including last season’s World Cup winner Sturla Holm Lægreid and Johannes-Ola Botn, attended a funeral for teammate Eirik Bakken on Monday.They traveled from Oberhof, Germany, and will promptly return to Germany to continue competing in the World Cup in Ruhpolding, Norwegian media reported. A memorial service also took place in Germany for those unable to travel to Norway.
Bakken died unexpectedly at age 27 just before Christmas during a training camp in Italy. Botn discovered him unresponsive in his hotel room in Lavazé on December 23rd. Bakken had been wearing a mask simulating high altitude, and the cause of death remains unknown.
Norwegian media coverage:
The biathlon community continues to grieve the loss of a promising athlete.