Tommaso Giacomel Withdraws from Race Due to Heart Surgery

Italian biathlete Tommaso Giacomel recently had to step back from the 15km mass start event in Milan-Cortina. This decision came after he experienced breathing difficulties during the race.

The Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) announced that Giacomel underwent tests that indicated atrial conduction issues. Following these findings, an ablation procedure was performed, which they confirmed was successful.

Giacomel is expected to leave the hospital on Thursday morning, but he will need to undergo more tests in two weeks to ensure he can return to his regular training schedule.

In an Instagram Story, he expressed disappointment over the abrupt end to his season. “I’m fine,” he stated, reflecting on his struggles during the Olympic race. He shared a photo from his hospital bed, illustrating the gravity of the situation.

He recounted a particularly harrowing moment during the race, saying, “Right after the second prone, my body somehow stopped working properly.” Giacomel reported feeling intense frustration and anger at being unable to finish the race as he had hoped.

Despite these setbacks, he remains resilient. “It’s definitely not the end of the game that I wanted, but I will never give up,” he said, adding hopeful thoughts about competing again in France four years from now. He plans to investigate what went awry during the race and will keep supporters informed about his recovery.

Earlier in this Olympic competition, Giacomel achieved a silver medal in the mixed relay and has previously earned multiple accolades, including three silver medals at World Championships and five wins at the Biathlon World Cup.