Great suffering for Gianmarco Tamberi, but this time the luck is on his side. The blue, who showed up at the Olympic event carrying the burden of recent physical problems, managed to win a place in the final despite the difficulties.
Gimbo has made three errors on jumps at 2,27 meters, but he still advanced to the final thanks to the two previous clean jumps, which allowed him to enter among the first 12. The other Italian competing also reaches the final, Stefano Subtle, also promoted with the same result.
Only five athletes have exceeded 2,27: the American McEwen, the Australian Kerr, Mutaz Barshim, the South Korean Woo Sang-hyeok and the Japanese Akamatsu.
Tamberi qualified thanks to previous jumps
It was clear that Tamberi was not in great shape, with the fever having only disappeared the day before the race. The Italian, gold in the high jump in Tokyo, avoided attempting the entry level (2,15 metres) and then he passed, albeit not brilliantly, on the first attempt both the measurement of 2,20 meters and 2,24 meters. Already after the first jump, Gimbo shook his head to express his dissatisfaction.
At the measurement of 2,27 meters, however, he failed to do better. We saw a tired Tamberi, who was unable to express his best due to less than optimal physical conditions. The Italian flag-bearer had reassured everyone in view of the Olympic debut, preparing for what he yesterday defined as "very probably the hardest race of my life".
During the race, Tamberi demonstrated the his usual sporting spirit and fair play, going straight to check the condition of his close friend, Mutaz Barshim, after a moment of great fear. In the first attempt at 2.27, Barshim collapsed on the grass, but Tamberi intervened promptly to make sure he was okay. Subsequently, Barshim managed to pass the test.
Now theGimbo's only thought is to regain his strength in view of the final, scheduled on August 10st at 19pm.
Tamberi: “I thank everyone for their love, it won't be like this on Saturday”
In the post-qualification interview, Gianmarco Tamberi expressed his spirit and gratitude, starting with a heartfelt thanks to all those who supported him: “I didn't expect so much affection from so many people. Thanks to all the Italians, it means a lot to me.” Tamberi explained the difficulties he faced in reaching the high jump final, underlining that "I have been working for years for this moment" and that getting there after recent difficulties, including colic which forced him into hospital three days ago, was not easy.
Regarding the race, he commented: “It was the hardest race of my life, but the final will be easier than qualifying. Today I had to save energy, but Saturday will be another day. I've worked too hard these years and I know I deserve it. See you on Saturday at 19pm on the platform, it will be a completely different story. "
