Italian biathlete Tommaso Giacomel has had to undergo minor heart surgery. This was announced by the Italian Winter Sports Federation in a statement.
24.02.2026, 17:43
24.02.2026, 17:51
SDA
Giacomel had had to pull out of the Olympic mass start race as the leader due to breathing problems. "I had great difficulty breathing and moving, so I had to stop. It was the worst feeling I've ever experienced," the 25-year-old commented on Instagram with a photo of himself in a hospital bed.
Medical examinations revealed a small abnormality in his heart, which was supposed to have been corrected by the intervention. Giacomel will undergo performance tests in two weeks' time. If these are positive, he can "start regular training again", according to the press release.
The last three World Cup stops of the season are Kontiolahti (March 2 to 8), Otepää (March 9 to 15) and Oslo (March 16 to 22). Giacomel is in 2nd place in the overall standings.
