The Olympics can be your make-or-break moment. And for one Italian high jumper, it was a bit of both. After all, at Tokyo 2021, he shared the gold with Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim. But while Japan saw him reach his peak, just 3 years later in Paris, he couldn’t even reach the final round, ending up at just 11th with an underwhelming 2.22m jump. All this despite being Italy’s flag bearer. To add further insult to injury, he even lost his wedding band in the opening ceremony. For many, this might’ve been the swansong, but for him it wasn’t.
After all, just when his fans thought they’d seen Gianmarco Tamberi’s last gravity-defying leap, he pulled a stunning U-turn. The 32-year-old announced he’s delaying retirement and setting his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This wasn’t a snap decision; it was born from deep personal reflection and a surprising external influence, marking a thrilling new chapter in his already legendary career. But what exactly sparked this change of heart?
And how did the immense weight of public expectation nudge him onto a different path? The reasons behind Gianmarco’s decision are as intricate as the man himself. Speaking in the Diamond League press conference, he opened up about how everyday interactions profoundly shifted his perspective. “People were stopping me in the street and asking me, like, Please don’t stop, please go on. Another year, please don’t stop,” he recalled.
“People were stopping me in the street”@gianmarcotamber on the difficult decision to delay retirement and set his sights on LA 2028.#DiamondLeague#RomeDL pic.twitter.com/LovaaTee56
— Wanda Diamond League (@Diamond_League) June 5, 2025
These heartfelt pleas from fans and well-wishers left him utterly “confused” about his future. Initially, Gianmarco had been laser-focused, pouring every ounce of his energy into Paris. “The point was after Paris. I mean, I focused all my energy until Paris to perform in that stage at the highest level,” he explained.
His preparation in 2024 was simply unparalleled, both mentally and physically, leaving him convinced he was in “the best shape ever.” Despite all that, the Paris failure was a “very big, big thing to go over.” It took him months to truly process, and during that time, the constant public urging began to slowly chip away at his resolve.
The pleas changed his mind and suddenly reignited his passion, pushing him to aim far beyond just one more year. “I decided to keep longer, I decided to put the bar higher and try to reach this big dream of Los Angeles,” he said, his voice brimming with the unyielding determination of an athlete who simply refuses to be defined by a single setback. What was this surprise, and how will it fuel his incredible journey to LA 2028?
Despite a huge injury scare, Tamberi is resolved to make things count
Gianmarco Tamberi is a living testament to sheer perseverance. Since 2013, he’s relentlessly pushed his limits, a journey marked by both dazzling triumphs and tough setbacks. His recent reflections show a man keenly aware of his body’s needs. “I was pushing since 2013 without stopping. So I needed it; I needed it for my mind, but I needed it especially for my body,” Gianmarco admitted, underscoring the toll of continuous competition.
This break wasn’t just a mental reset; it was a physical necessity, a chance to heal and rebuild. The challenge was immense, especially with a persistent knee issue that threatened his career. Yet, Tamberi’s team, armed with experience and dedication, tackled this “big problem.” Their efforts paid off, and Gianmarco’s pride is palpable.
“It was tying with my team that worked consistently and with a lot of experience for trying to solve one big problem that I have in my knee, and we are getting out of it, and I’m very proud of them,” he said. This collaboration, a testament to his support system, has been crucial. Gianmarco’s choice to step back from immediate training, focusing instead on long-term goals, speaks volumes about his courage.
“I’m very proud of the job I have done and all honestly, also proud of the choice not to go back in training and just think about medal again, try to get the world championship gold in my pocket and try to have the courage to be brave,” he declared. This bravery, rooted in patience and strategic thinking, sets the stage for a compelling new chapter in his already illustrious career.
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