Tamberi defends Jacobs: “It’s not easy for him, I’m close to him”. Return to the European Cup after 9 months: “I’m ready”

Gianmarco Tamberi will be part of the blue team at the European team championships in Chorzow, Poland, scheduled from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th June as part of the European games. The Olympic champion, who hasn’t been on track since 7 September 2022, will be in the race on Sunday at 3.30pm. “It’s a great emotion to get back in the blue jersey right away, it gives me the right energy to start off properly – the announcement made by the 31-year-old from the Marche region – Debuting in a race of this type is a bet, due to the particular regulation of the event which provides for fourth error overall. When I received the call in recent days, I took some time to decide and I had been signed up as a reserve. But the technique training done yesterday went fairly well and so I told the Federation that I was available”.

Tamberi: “It was a year of changes”

“It has been a year of many changes, so we wanted to isolate ourselves to find balance with the team and we kept waiting”. From this season theTokyo gold has a new technical guide, with Giulio Ciotti instead of his father Marco. “We managed to establish a wonderful relationship, working together with a lot of enthusiasm, and for me it’s a huge breath of fresh air. My father and I probably worked individually, for the same goal but each on his own, and this would not have brought results. 31 years old, I have motivations like a kid, with the desire to break everything and still do a lot”.

Tamberi, the calendar up to the World Cup

And then: “So far in recent months, I have mainly tried to feel good from a physical point of view so as not to have the problems that limited me last year and to put myself in a position to face the season without pain, at least at the beginning. If the debut doesn’t go as we hope, in a competition of this type, it doesn’t mean that the condition isn’t good. Diamond Leaguein Stockholm on July 2 and back to Chorzow on July 16th, then we’ll evaluate based on how the first three races will go where I’ll try to reach my maximum, before comparing myself with the others”. Everything is aimed at the World Championships in Budapest (August 19-27) to hunt for the only title that he misses it. “The opponents? Barshim is the strongest ever, Harrison is the season leader, Woo has made the exploit for the past two years. If I’m fine, if I’m at my best, I can play with everyone.”

Tamberi: “Jacobs find your balance, I’m close to him”

He then dedicates a thought to Marcell Jacobs in difficulty in recent appearances and for being attacked on social media: “I know that Marcell hasn’t had a good time and has been attacked on social media, anything that isn’t exactly in line with the ideal path, he can be subject to criticism, it’s not easy for I am close to him and I have written to him. He must continue – adds Tamberi – unfortunately he has had injuries and this happens. The barbs from his opponents do not help, but this makes us want to compete even more. I am convinced that if he finds “The right balance can return. I’m sorry for Marcell’s absence but Ceccarelli will replace him, I’m sure it will be a super competitive team. I can understand Marcell when he’s fine he’ll show he’s ready for everyone.”