Tommaso Giacomel Undergoes Heart Surgery Following Olympic Withdrawal
MILAN, 24 February 2026 — Italian biathlon star Tommaso Giacomel has undergone successful minor heart surgery following his dramatic withdrawal from the men’s 15km mass start at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The 25-year-old, who was a leading medal hope for the host nation, was forced to retire from the race last week while leading the field, sparking immediate concern regarding his physical condition.
Olympic Heartbreak in Antholz
The incident occurred on Friday, 20 February, during the final men’s biathlon event of the 2026 Games at the Antholz-Anterselva arena. Giacomel, currently sitting second in the overall World Cup standings, had started the race in sensational form. He cleaned both of his prone shooting bouts (10/10) and was leading the pack before suddenly pulling out of the competition.
Medical reports confirmed that the athlete experienced a cardiac irregularity during the high-intensity event. Following his retirement from the race, Giacomel was transported for specialist evaluations, which resulted in the decision to perform a minor surgical procedure earlier this week.
Season-Ending Surgery and Recovery
On Tuesday, Giacomel announced that his 2024/25 season has officially come to an end. While the surgery was described as successful, the recovery protocol requires a period of complete rest followed by gradual monitoring.
Medical Outlook
- Discharge: Giacomel is expected to be discharged from the hospital this Thursday, 26 February.
- Follow-up: A secondary medical check-up is scheduled in two weeks to assess the heart’s response to the procedure.
- Return to Training: Pending the results of further tests, the Italian is expected to resume full training later this year to prepare for the 2026/27 World Cup circuit.
In a statement, Giacomel expressed he was “gutted” to end his Olympic campaign and season in such a manner but remained optimistic about his long-term health and career.
Career Profile: The Rise of Italy’s New Lead
Born on 5 April 2000 in Sterzing (Vipiteno), South Tyrol, Tommaso Giacomel has rapidly ascended to become the spearhead of the Italian men’s biathlon team. Residing in Imer, he made his World Cup debut in March 2020 at Nové Město na Moravě, where he finished 27th in his first sprint race.
Statistical Milestone (As of February 2026)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| World Cup Level Races | 164 |
| Individual Podiums | 12 |
| Individual Wins | 3 |
| Team Podiums | 11 |
The 2024/25 season had been a breakthrough year for Giacomel. Before the Olympic hiatus, he had secured six podiums and his career-first World Cup victory, establishing himself as a legitimate contender for the Crystal Globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tommaso Giacomel retire from the 2026 Olympic Mass Start?
Giacomel withdrew from the 15km mass start on 20 February 2026 due to a heart-related issue that occurred while he was leading the race. He subsequently underwent minor heart surgery on 23-24 February.
Will Tommaso Giacomel compete again this season?
No. Giacomel has confirmed that his season is over to allow for a full recovery. He is expected to return for the 2026/27 season following further medical clearances.
Where is Tommaso Giacomel from?
He was born in Sterzing (Vipiteno) in the province of Bolzano-Bozen, Italy, and currently resides in Imer.
What are his major achievements in biathlon?
Giacomel is a multiple-time World Cup podium finisher with three individual victories. He was ranked second in the overall World Cup standings at the time of his 2026 Olympic withdrawal.