Italy’s biathlon star Tommaso Giacomel caused a big moment of shock in the Olympic mass start when he had to give up in the middle of the race. Now it is clear: his problems were more serious and required heart surgery. His season is now over.
As the Italian Ski Association (FISI) announced on Tuesday, biathlon star Tommaso Giacomel underwent a so-called catheter ablation, which is necessary to treat cardiac arrhythmias. “An abnormality in electrical conductivity in the atria” had previously been identified.
After the successful operation, Giacomel will now concentrate on his rehabilitation and complete further tests before he starts training again, the FISI initially said. However, Giacomel himself confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that he would not be returning to the trails this winter. The 25-year-old wrote on Instagram that he was “devastated.”
Even before the minor procedure, various tests were carried out in the hospital in Milan, including a CT, an MRI and a maximum stress test. Giacomel’s values were “normal”, according to the Italian association.
Biathlon: Giacomel has to give up the Olympic mass start
About a year ago, Norwegian biathlete Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold underwent a similar heart procedure. According to her statement, there was no serious risk to her health before or after. Tandrevold had previously had to give up a race due to a racing heart.
Giacomel had a very similar experience in the mass start of the Olympic Games. The 25-year-old was still in the lead after the second shooting, but was then overtaken by numerous competitors on the course. Giacomel had to give up the race before the third shooting. Pictures quickly made the rounds on the Internet showing him sitting exhausted on the side of the track.
The Italian federation subsequently stated that Giacomel was fine again a few hours after his retirement, but that further tests would follow. These were now carried out in Milan.
