The 32nd edition of the Olympic Games will be held between 23 July and 8 August. Gianmarco Tamberi is undoubtedly one of the strongest athletes of his generation. With a world title and two European successes on the showcase, “Gimbo’s” career is only missing an Olympic victory. Gianmarco was unable to participate in the 2016 edition due to an injury; 2016 marking one of his best years in sports performance. However, Gianmarco will soon fulfil his dream by participating in the high jump competitions of the Olympics.
The athlete described his emotions before travelling to Olympics and his future goals.
1. Use three adjectives to describe how you are feeling before travelling Olympic Games.
I am very excited and I can’t wait. I’m happy these Olympics Games are finally approaching. I’ve been waiting for many years, especially after suffering an injury and having to postpone due to Covid19.
2. Do you have a pre-match ritual ? If so, which one?
I actually have more than one pre-match ritual. Perhaps, not many people know, I message my father, who is also my coach. He has always sent me a text before the start of a competition ever since I was little. This winter, during the winter competitions, I decided to stop this ritual because for a period I wasn’t achieving the results I wished for. I tried to get out of my “comfort zone” in order to react on the track.
3. Are you more anxious before a match or before an exam?
I would definitely say I am more anxious before an exam because during an exam you are assessed by someone. Whereas during a high jump game, it is a self-challenge. I am the chief judge.
4. Will you bring any books to Olympics?
Yes, but it won’t be a university textbook as I must stay focused on the competitions. In these situations, I usually carry a book about the training field. In particular, I like to read books about mental coaching because they give me the right energy boost.
5. Does having an athlete’s mindset help you in your university career? How?
The athlete’s mindset generally helps me throughout everyday life, because whether it is in life or in sports, you must be fully committed to what you are doing and to make sacrifices in order to achieve your goals. At the same time, sport teaches you to bounce back from a disappointment. For example, if an exam doesn’t go as well as I had expected, I try to do my best to get a higher grade in the next one.
6. When you’re not busy with competitions, training and studying, what are your hobbies?
I really like playing basketball. It’s a great outlet for me. Unfortunately, I often have to stay away from the courts because I run the risk of injury, even if I am very caution when I play. Another passion of mine is surfing. In fact, every year once the season is over, I travel to famous big-wave surfing destinations for at least a week. I’m not a big surfer, but I have a lot of fun.
7. What is your secret dream?
Obviously, it is related to the Olympics and to be more specific, I wish to achieve at least one of the three medals, although I won’t specify which one...