Gimbo towards his debut after recent physical problems: “At the European Championships I want to go back to 2.30, first two or three preparatory races. But I already have Los Angeles 2028 in my head”
To jump or not to jump? Jump, jump. Just give it a little more time. Gianmarco Tamberi launches the new campaign for the crunchy slices of Cuore, which has as its claim the question proposed here and in the meantime, ideally, together with mother Sabrina, co-protagonist of the commercials, he energetically overcomes the fence made famous by the actor Nino Castelnuovo in the Seventies and Eighties.
Gimbo, when will you debut?
“In the first half of July. Approaching the European Championships in Birmingham in mid-August I would like to do two or three races.”
Is he skipping at this time?
“Once last week and again on Wednesday (tomorrow, ed.). If I were to take extraordinary measures, you could see me in Ostrava next Tuesday. But I have already told the organizers: ‘Don’t consider me'”.
Last Monday, on his 34th birthday, he spoke via social media about his latest difficulties: plantar fasciitis in his right foot and a new kidney stone.
“Until February I worked well. Then one problem after another. The worst in April. I couldn’t react. I went to camp, did hours of therapy, but in a passive way, with the fear of not being able to achieve my goals.”
How did he get out of it?
“I have found the courage to get involved. When there are problems to face, it is important to get help, but your attitude is decisive. You must not suffer events and certain steps must be taken alone.”
After dark months I found the courage to get involved. When there are problems to face, it is important to get help, but your attitude is decisive
Why does he tell everything about himself on online profiles?
“On social media we often show the best side of ourselves: joy, happiness, wealth, beauty. Instead, to try to lend a hand to those in difficulty, it is right to also share the negative aspects, to demonstrate that we can almost always start again”.
How is he now?
“Not 100%, recovery times are getting longer, but physically much better. I will have to live with the calculations, as confirmed by many specialists. They are painful, not serious. The best thing is that they don’t happen on critical days, like at the Paris 2024 Games.”
Have you thought about quitting?
“At worst, we could also compromise all of 2026. But it won’t be like that: I’m proud to have recovered. After all, I knew that the road to Los Angeles 2028 would be full of obstacles.”
What role does your Camilla have in all this?
“After Paris I chose to continue when Chiara discovered she was pregnant. My daughter gave me absolute strength even before she was born. She turned our lives upside down, but nothing is greater.”
The next goal?
“I live everything for the Californian Olympics, but the European Championships, as reigning champion, tease me a lot.”
In the men’s high jump, in 26 editions and 92 years, no one has won two gold medals. She boasts three…
“Last year I took care of myself and was a dad. Now, in a race like this, I would like to go back above 2.30”.
Given the bearish situation in the specialty, it could be an important measure.
“Ten years ago, in Monte Carlo, I suffered the most serious injury of my career: I was worth more than 2.40. Now I’m only interested in getting back among the greats.”
Among his rivals he will have the 20 year old Matteo Sioli, king of the Golden Gala at 2.28.
“He succeeded where I failed seven times. He is one of my little brothers, like Sottile (for him, 4th at the Games, season at risk due to a muscle problem suffered at the end of May in Bydgoszcz, ed.) and Falocchi. On the platform they have my boldness: I believe there is my hand…”.
Were you expecting a -10” Jacobs?
“Yes, but not now. In Savona he seemed a bit stiff to me, at the Olimpico he found his action again: Paolo Camossi’s care is needed. I hope to meet him soon”.
Furlani, however, is in the body shop.
“Not for long: a first-degree strain is nonsense. I understand, however, that he is scared. He will soon return to his levels.”
Surprised by Battocletti’s misstep?
“We’re not joking: she missed a race, it happens. Rather, did you listen to her words afterwards? She’s a super athlete and woman.”
Italian sport is flying: are you happy that it is claimed that the turning point dates back to Tokyo 2021 and the double gold with Jacobs in 13 minutes?
“I don’t know if that’s the case, but we are indeed living in a magical period. And football will recover soon.”
Is your friend Malagò the right man to lead the FIGC?
“He has competence, character and attitude. With him at the helm of CONI, things have changed for the better for us athletes.”
What will the approach to Birmingham be like?
“The Ukrainian Bohdan Bondarenko will come to Ancona for three days next week: I respect him, his technical gesture inspires me, we will do some sessions together. Then, in July, I would like to spend 7-10 days in Formia”.
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