“New era of my life begins”
Biathlete announces career ends at the age of 23
25.03.2025 – 10:42 a.m.Reading time: 2 min.
At the age of 23, Maren Bakken announced her career end. The Norwegian biathlete only competes for a weekend.
These pictures say more than the words that Maren Bakken wrote. The Norwegian biathlete posted a photo series on Instagram on Monday evening. The biathlete can be seen on the first snapshot together with five of her teammates. The athletes wear suitable training clothing and stand poor in arm in front of a picturesque mountain backdrop. Everyone smiles into the camera while some of them carry their biathlon rifles on their backs. Bakken wrote: “It is official – my career as a biathlete is coming to an end!”
The 23-year-old continued: “This weekend I will play my last races and start a new era in my life. I would like to thank you for all the great friendships, memories and experiences that I have made through sport and which I will never forget.”
Bakken competed in the IBU Cup in the 2022/23 season. This is the second highest international competition class after the World Cup. In addition, in 2022 she competed together with Martin Uldal at the biathlon on Schalke. In the past season, he was part of the Norwegian World Cup squad and took 13th place in Oslo in the mass start and 11th place in the overall World Cup.
Bakken explained: “I would also like to thank all partners who have supported me over the years. And last but not least my mom, my dad and those who are closest to me at all ups and depths.” The Norwegian biathlete June Arnekleiv, who started this season both in the IBU Cup and the World Cup, commented: “I look forward to a last season.”