Tamberi Hospitalized Before High Jump Final

Italian high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi, renowned for his emotional gold medal tie with Qatar’s Mutaz-Essa Barshim at the Tokyo Olympics, is determined to compete in the men’s high jump final at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Despite experiencing severe health issues, including vomiting blood and enduring kidney colic, Tamberi reassured fans via Instagram, stating, “I’ll be there,” after a hospital visit on Saturday morning. Tamberi's health struggles began early Saturday, as he described the intense pain he was experiencing. In a candid post, he shared that he had been in discomfort for over ten hours but emphasized that his internal resolve outweighed his physical suffering. Remarkably, he still managed to participate in the high jump qualifications on Wednesday, successfully clearing 2.27 meters to secure his spot in the final. The bond between Tamberi and Barshim has been a focal point since their shared gold medal moment in Tokyo, where they both cleared 2.37 meters. Their friendship, which began at the 2010 world junior championships, was evident when Barshim faced an injury during qualifications this week. Tamberi was quick to assist his friend, showcasing their camaraderie and mutual support. Following the qualifications, Tamberi reported feeling “much better,” with his body temperature returning to normal, further fueling his hopes for a strong performance in the final. As the Paris Olympics approach, Tamberi's resilience and dedication continue to inspire fans and fellow athletes alike.