He entered the Olympics in top shape after a strong run in the World Cup. At 25, Tommaso Giacomel arrived in Antholz as one of Italy’s biggest hopes for gold on home snow.

But now there is a real risk that these Olympics could end in disappointment for the man many expected to dominate. What has happened to his form?

It began promisingly with silver in the mixed relay. Everything looked under control. But after that, things started to unravel for Giacomel, who had taken over the yellow World Cup leader’s bib from Johan-Olav Botn shortly after the New Year.

A sixth place in the 20km individual was below expectations. Then it got worse.

He finished 22nd in the sprint, his lowest placement of the Games so far. Although he improved to ninth in the pursuit, he was never truly in contention for a medal. Italy’s men’s relay also struggled, finishing 14th in a disappointing performance.

Before Christmas, Giacomel won the mass start in Le Grand Bornand and followed it up with two victories in Oberhof. In France, he defeated Eric Perrot despite skiing a penalty loop. On Friday, in the final men’s Olympic race, he will need close to perfection if he is to secure a medal in the mass start.

Also Read: Olympics 2026: Complete biathlon guide to the men’s 15km Mass Start

Giacomel was also close friends with Sivert Guttorm Bakken. The Italian had arranged to train with the Norwegian on the day Bakken was later found dead in his hotel in Passo Lavazé. It has deeply affected him.

He has five World Cup victories, but an individual championship medal is still missing. Friday’s mass start is his final opportunity at these Games. If he falls short again, he will have to wait four more years for another chance.

And he will never again compete for Olympic glory on home soil.

Biathlon schedule – Milano-Cortina 2026

Sunday, February 8: Mixed Relay (M+W) (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:05 CET: Mixed Relay, Men + Women

Tuesday, February 10: Men 20km Individual (More information can be found HERE)

• 13:30 CET: 20km Individual, Men

Wednesday, February 11: Women 15km Individual (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:15 CET: 15km Individual, Women

Friday, February 13: Men 10km Sprint (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:00 CET: 10km Sprint, Men

Saturday, February 14: Women 7.5km Sprint (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:45 CET: 7.5km Sprint, Women

Sunday, February 15: Men 12.5km Pursuit and Women 10km Pursuit (More information can be found HERE)

• 11:15 CET: 12.5km Pursuit, Men
• 14:45 CET: 10km Pursuit, Women

Tuesday, February 17: Men 4×7.5km Relay (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:30 CET: 4×7.5km Relay, Men

Wednesday, February 18: Women 4x6km Relay (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:45 CET: 4x6km Relay, Women

Friday, February 20: Men 15km Mass Start (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:15 CET: 15km Mass Start, Men

Saturday, February 21: Women 12.5km Mass Start (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:15 CET: 12.5km Mass Start, Women

The complete program for the Winter Olympic Games can be found HERE

Antholz-Anterselva promises breathtaking courses for athletes and spectacular viewing for fans. With every shot and ski stride counting, the biathletes will aim for the podium in every race, making the biathlon one of the most eagerly watched events of the 2026 Winter Games.

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