Everyone who followed the mass start in the Olympics, in person or in front of the TV, wondered what happened when they saw Tommaso Giacomel first lose the lead and then be forced to retire because of chest pains and severe breathing difficulties.
After a series of tests at the hospital, he underwent a heart procedure to remove the cause of the heart rhythm disturbances.
Giacomel then chose not to try to come back and compete for the rest of the season, despite being second in the World Cup.
Sebastian Samuelsson, third in the World Cup, says he has suffered similar problems to Giacomel.
"A few years ago I had it quite a lot, we're talking maybe ten years ago, but now I have no problems. I'm aware that it can happen," he says in connection with the Biathlon competition.
Know that it is harmless
In Samuelsson's case, no intervention was needed for his heart palpitations.
"It's been researched a lot, and everyone says it's harmless. But of course we train a lot and it's stressful. Basically, I still think what we're doing is very healthy, so I'm not worried."
He still gets heart palpitations sometimes.
"I actually had an episode during training in Ruhpolding before the competitions there in January, but before that it was a long time ago," Samuelsson says.
"Of course it's uncomfortable when you feel your heart beating. But since I've had it before, I know what it's about, so it's not worrisome."
"Chased by a bear"
National team colleague Linn Gestblom suffered a heart attack during the pursuit race in Hochfilzen before Christmas and described it vividly:
"It felt a bit like being chased by a bear, like getting an adrenaline rush," she said of the experience.
She, too, had heart palpitations before and was not scared. However, she became shaky and missed three shots.
The World Cup now restarts after the Olympics with the last three World Cup weeks of the season. The competitions start on Thursday in Kontiolax, Finland.
