The man with a split face causes fear in Rome's streets.
The Italians are putting on quite a show at the European Championship held in Rome. Standing out is Gianmarco Tamberi, the Olympic high jump champion, who manages to captivate the audience despite feeling some fear while attempting to defend his title.
However, just as Tamberi impresses the crowd by jumping over 2.34 meters and setting the entire arena on fire, he stumbles back to his starting position, holds his foot, and falls to the ground. Many in the stands are concerned - his left foot, which is his jumping foot, had previously been broken, making them fear the worst. Even die-hard fans who've printed his image on T-shirts cover their mouths, shocked by what they're witnessing. Has their hero injured himself again, barely weeks before the Paris Games?
Unfazed, Tamberi removes his shoe to show off his theatrical skills. He grabs some metal springs from his shoe - he obtained them quickly somehow. Perhaps he'd been carrying them in his belongings, or maybe he grabbed them out of his shoes. After all, the spikes would've been annoying if they were there for long. Having been through quite a lot with his left foot, Tamberi is eager to put on a good show. As a result, the crowd's pulse starts racing.
It's no surprise that Tamberi is awarded the gold medal in his home country. Italy is dominating the medal standings, with 20 medals already earned before the final day of competition, and an impressive ten of those being gold. That puts them comfortably ahead of France's four gold medals, and the Germans have none at this point. Notable performances include sprinter Marcell Lamont Jacobs and 10,000-meter runner Nadia Battocletti.
Yet, it's Gianmarco Tamberi who invigorates the crowd the most. So far, the Olympic champion has bagged another world championship and three European championships. He's not just a talented athlete, but an entertainer as well. His half-beard, which he tends to sport on the field, seems to be his own lucky charm. A trademark of sorts, the half-beard makes its return just in time for the final. After all, he once declared in 2015, "I like standing there and entertaining the people."
Making it work yet again, Tamberi almost makes it over 2.29 meters, missing it just barely. His competitor, Vladyslav Lavskyy from Ukraine, fails in his first attempt. Once again, Tamberi fails at 2.29 meters, but the bar remains standing. Frustrated, he covers his eyes and desperately tries to spin his body on the mat, all while the stadium erupts in celebration. "Those are the kind of problems that can randomly occur during competitions," he later explains in an interview. With ease, he clears 2.31 meters in his first try - giving him the gold. In his following jumps at 2.33 meters, he makes it through twice, but since his biggest competitor fails to clear the bar, Tamberi is confirmed as the European champion. Third place is won by Oleh Doroshchuk with a height of 2.26.
Unfortunate for the Germans. Mateusz Przybylko is destined for an empty medal cabinet. The former European champion from 2018 does manage to clear the entry height of 2.17 meters, but then injures his foot during his first attempt over 2.22 meters. Unfortunately, his foot injury is already troubled from a previous operation. This one involved a midfoot fracture and the insertion of a titanium screw. "It isn't a bone problem anymore; it's healed," explains Przybylko in an interview. "The problem seems to be the fact that it can't handle the load like I'd hoped. I've dealt with inflammation, scar tissue, and the screw causing discomfort to my tendon. We'll have to see what the doctors say, and hope it's not anything serious."
In summary, the Italian athletes are outperforming their European counterparts at the championship, with Gianmarco Tamberi stealing the show. His physical and entertaining prowess has captured the hearts of the crowd. Still recovering from a pre-existing injury, Tamberi puts his acting skills to the test, making the event more interesting with each effort. Amidst the celebration of Italy's domination, Mateusz Przybylko of Germany is left heartbroken after an unexpected setback.
Coach Hans-Jörg Thomaskamp focuses specifically on the approaching Olympics, explaining, "We preferred to avoid any hazards leading up to the Olympics." As they part ways, Tamberi is with him during this moment of disappointment. They've been fierce competitors and close companions for 14 years, according to Przybylko before the event. The Italian extends his support during Tamberi's loss - just as he encouraged him in the earlier qualifying round when the German narrowly missed the final. Just before their third attempt at clearing 2.21 meters, they both assertively declare their intentions.
Tamberi dazzles with his ability to handle extreme situations. He demonstrates a seamless blend of empathy, merriment, and humor. This is evident in his actions as he celebrates qualifying for the final, continuing to push himself by climbing yet another notch. With metal springs, he displays the showmanship and entertainment side of him. The excitement doesn't end there, as he attempts to set a new championship record at 2.34 meters.
The decathletes were expected to commence their final 1500-meter race together, but Tamberi, aiming for a new record, thwarts their entrance. In one attempt, he clears the height effortlessly. The elation becomes unfathomable as two of his teammates run towards him from the stands to the track. Despite his stumble at 2.29 meters, a referee battles to manage the hugs and allow the decathletes to begin. Tamberi's previous blunder at 2.29 meters is already in the rearview mirror. "I'm incredibly honored to win with the championship record. In Paris, I wish to claim gold as well," Tamberi remarks in ARD. There, he'll encounter Barshim once more, and their Olympic adventure will certainly be enhanced by a thrilling spectacle from the Italian.
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Despite his recent injury, Gianmarco Tamberi continues to shine in the athletics scene. Just weeks before the Paris Games, he makes a notable appearance at the European Athletics Championships in Rome.
Post his gold-winning performance at the Rome Championships, Tamberi is expected to defend his title in the high jump event at the Paris Games.
