MILAN, Italy – Italian biathlete Tommaso Giacomel has undergone a successful heart surgery following a health scare during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) confirmed Wednesday. The 25-year-old experienced a medical issue during competition, leading to immediate evaluation and subsequent surgery at the Galeazzi Hospital in Milan.
The FISI stated that Giacomel completed a series of diagnostic tests, including an electrocardiogram, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a maximal stress test, all of which initially came back normal. However, a subsequent electrophysiological study revealed an anomaly in his cardiac conduction system, necessitating the surgical intervention. Details regarding the specific nature of the anomaly have not been released, respecting the athlete’s privacy.
“Tommaso Giacomel has concluded the series of diagnostic investigations at the Galeazzi hospital in Milan carried out by the FISI Medical Commission in collaboration with Professor Daniele Andreini, where he underwent a CT scan, an MRI and a maximal stress test, all within the normal range,” the FISI said in a statement. “A subsequent electrophysiological study highlighted an anomaly…”
Giacomel’s Olympic experience ended prematurely, but he had already contributed to Italy’s success at the Games, securing a silver medal in the mixed relay event. The incident occurred after the completion of his Olympic schedule, prompting immediate medical attention.
The news comes as a shock to the Italian biathlon community, as Giacomel has been a rising star in the sport. He achieved his first World Cup podium finish in 2021, taking bronze in a relay at Oberhof, and continued to demonstrate his potential with consistent performances on the international circuit. His breakthrough moment came in January 2025, when he secured his first individual World Cup victory in the mass start event at Ruhpolding, Germany. At the 2023 World Championships in Oberhof, he added to his medal haul with silver in the mixed relay and bronze in the single mixed relay.
Prior to his Olympic participation, Giacomel had established himself as a key member of the Italian biathlon team. He debuted in the World Cup in 2020 and represented Italy at the 2021 World Championships in Pokljuka and the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. At the 2024 World Championships in Nové Město na Moravě, he again claimed a silver medal in the single mixed relay.
The surgery was reportedly successful, and Giacomel is currently recovering. A timeline for his return to competition remains uncertain, and will be determined based on his recovery progress and further medical evaluations. The FISI has stated that it will provide updates on his condition as they become available.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about athlete health and safety, particularly regarding cardiac screening in high-performance sports. While many elite athletes undergo routine cardiac evaluations, the case of Tommaso Giacomel highlights the potential for undetected conditions to emerge during competition.
The Italian team, preparing for the upcoming World Cup events, is understandably shaken by the news. Team officials have expressed their support for Giacomel and his family, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing his health and well-being.
“It’s a difficult moment for all of us,” said a team spokesperson, as reported by la Repubblica. “Tommaso is a valued member of our team, and we are all sending him our best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.”
The focus now shifts to Giacomel’s recovery and rehabilitation. The FISI medical team will operate closely with him to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure his safe return to competition when he is ready. The biathlon world awaits his return, hoping to witness the talented Italian athlete back on the World Cup circuit.
The Italian Olympic Committee recently unveiled the uniforms for the Italy Team for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, designed by Giorgio Armani, but the focus has understandably shifted to the health of one of its athletes. The Games, set to accept place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, are now shadowed by this unexpected health challenge for Giacomel.
As Giacomel begins his recovery, the Italian biathlon federation and the wider sporting community are offering their full support. The next steps for the athlete will be determined by medical professionals, with a focus on ensuring a complete and safe return to the sport he loves.
