Gianmarco Tamberi’s Olympic journey has been full of events. First he lost his wedding ring, then he ended up in the hospital, and now he’s finally competing.
Paris Olympics on channels 26.7.–11.8. Go to the competition website here. You can find the entire program of the games here.
An Italian high jumper, usually seen as an interpreter of happy feelings in prestigious athletics competitions Gianmarco Tamberi was in the Paris qualifying under very different emotions.
Tamberi did clear the qualification for himself with a modest result of 224, but he was seen on the field in a rare sad mood.
The reason is also clear: just three days ago, he was lying in the hospital with a fever of almost 39 degrees due to kidney stone problems.
– I feel fine. I’m not in the shape I want to be, but until three days ago I was scared, Can I usually compete. I was worried if I would pass the qualification. Three days ago I felt the worst pain of my life, Tamberi told Urheilu.
The height final will not be jumped until Saturday, so Tamber now has plenty of time to recover in better condition.
– I know that this is not my condition, which I have worked for. I swear Saturday will be different. I believe that I can be in the best shape ever, Tamberi uploaded.
At the Tokyo Olympics, Tamberi historically shared the Olympic gold with Qatar By Mutaz Essa Barshim with. Tamberi and Barshim are good friends outside the racing fields.
Signs of their warm relationship were seen again in the Paris qualifier, as Barshim was also in trouble. He suffered from calf problems in qualifying, but made it to the finals with a score of 227.
Barshim has been plagued by injuries this season. Tamberi was immediately photographed checking on her friend’s condition.
Tamberi’s Olympic journey has had time to hurt and happened even before being hospitalized. He carried the Italian flag at the opening and managed to drop his wedding ring in the Seine river in the same accident.
Tamberi said at the time that she felt her ring fall off her finger and watched as it fell overboard.
– If I had to lose that ring, this is the best place for it. It will remain forever in the river bend of the city of love.
Tamberi joked about his mistake earlier on Instagram and sent big apologies to his spouse.
In June, Tamberi delighted the home crowd at the European Championships in Rome. After securing the gold medal, he pretended to have springs in his shoes.
In Saturday’s final, both Tamberi and Barshim will be the first men to try for new Olympic gold.
– There are no expectations, there is only hope and a dream. I want gold so much. I have sacrificed my life for this, so I will arrive at the stadium on Saturday with all my strength, Tamberi said, according to Reuters.