Winter Olympics 2026: Tommaso Giacomel collapses during men’s 15km mass start biathlon in Anterselva(Image via Getty Images)

Tommaso Giacomel looked ready for a medal. Then, in a shocking turn, he was sitting in the snow. The 22-year-old Italian biathlon star shocked fans after collapsing during the men’s 15km mass start at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The worrying moment happened in Anterselva during the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Tommaso Giacomel was in strong form and even led the race at the halfway mark. He had hit all his targets in two shooting stages without a single miss. The home crowd believed a medal was coming. But things changed quickly. Giacomel began to slow down on the snowy track. Other athletes passed him. Soon after, television cameras showed him sitting on the ground in the woods section of the course. His ski poles were beside him. Officials rushed to check on him. According to Eurosport, commentators described it as a “Cursed Olympics” for Giacomel and reported that he appeared to struggle with his breathing. He did not finish the race. In fact, he was the only one among the 30 competitors who did not cross the finish line. More than an hour later, Italy coach Fabio Cianciana gave an update. He said, “Health comes before the races. If Tommy felt some pain in the ribs, it is right that he has stopped.” He added, “After one minute, he already felt better. He went on his legs for the first medical check. Now he is doing other treatments and he is fine.” Cianciana also spoke about how well Giacomel was performing before the incident. He said, “The race was going very well. Once he passed unharmed from the prone shooting, we knew that Tommaso would have been very dangerous on the standing shooting.”

Tommaso Giacomel’s Olympic heartbreak as Johannes Dale-Skjevdal wins gold

While Giacomel’s race ended in pain, the competition continued. Johannes Dale-Skjevdal of Norway won gold with a perfect performance. He hit all 20 of his shots. His teammate Sturla Holm Laegreid took silver and finished the Games with a medal in each of the five races he entered.For Giacomel, this was his sixth event of the Olympics. He had already raced in the individual, sprint, pursuit, mass start, and team relay. He also won a silver medal in the mixed relay, which means he will not leave the Games without success.Still, the scene in Anterselva left fans concerned. A race that started with hope ended with worry. Thankfully, his coach confirmed that he is stable and receiving care.