Italian biathlete Tommaso Giacomel, an Olympic silver medalist from Milan-Cortina, has successfully undergone minimally invasive heart surgery in Milan. The 25-year-old athlete was forced to withdraw from the Olympic 15 km mass start last Friday while leading the race. The reason was sudden breathing and mobility problems. Electrophysiological tests revealed an electrical conduction anomaly in the heart's atrium, which rules him out from further competitions this season.

Successful Ablation Procedure

The athlete underwent surgery to remove an electrical conduction anomaly in the heart's atrium at a Milan clinic.

End of the Fight for the Crystal Globe

The biathlete, who was in second place in the World Cup standings, will not compete in any further events this season.

Dramatic Olympic Finale

Giacomel withdrew from the mass start race while in the lead due to sudden shortness of breath.

Two Weeks of Recovery

The athlete is to be discharged from the hospital on Thursday, after which he faces two weeks of strict rest.

The Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) announced in an official statement that Tommaso Giacomel underwent a successful ablation procedure at the Galeazzi Hospital in Milan. The surgical intervention was necessary following dramatic events that occurred during the mass start race at the Olympic Games in Anterselva. Giacomel, who was leading at the time and had a real chance for a gold medal, suddenly lost pace and had to leave the course due to shortness of breath and disturbances in his body's rhythm. The athlete himself described the event as "the worst feeling in my life," and after the diagnosis, he admitted on social media that he was "devastated" by the necessity to end his competitions prematurely. The electrical conduction anomaly in the heart's atrium detected in the biathlete required an electrophysiological intervention. Although the procedure itself was described as routine and minimally invasive, the recovery period will prevent the Italian from defending his high position in the overall World Cup standings. Giacomel was in second place in the mcl ranking, making this season the best of his career so far. According to doctors' recommendations, the athlete must maintain at least two weeks of complete rest before undergoing further control tests that will determine his return to light training. Heart ablation in elite athletes is not a new phenomenon; many cross-country skiers and cyclists have struggled with similar cardiological problems in the past, often resulting from extreme cardiovascular strain in endurance sports. The Italian's absence is a severe blow to the national team, especially after the success of winning a silver medal in the mixed relay on February 8. However, fans and experts emphasize that the decision to withdraw from the course at the critical moment was correct and likely prevented more serious health consequences. The upcoming World Cup races in Kontiolahti will take place without the Italian representative, who is now focusing on regaining full fitness before the next preparatory cycle. „La mia stagione è finita, sono distrutto.” (My season is over, I am devastated.) — Tommaso Giacomel

Mentioned People

  • Tommaso Giacomel — Italian biathlete, Olympic medalist, and World Cup runner-up.
  • Elia Barp — Another Italian medalist mentioned in the context of similar health problems.