DRAMA SEEMS to be Gianmarco Tamberi’s regular traveling partner and that was the case once again in Brussels as he regained the DL title he won in ’21 and ’22.
Facing a possible jump-off — with Ukraine’s inspired Oleh Doroshchuk — which would inevitably have brought back memories of the Tokyo Olympic Games when he decided to share the gold medal with Mutaz Essa Barshim — both men having identical records up to clearing 7-7 (2.31) at the first time of asking, Tamberi watched his rival bring the bar down at 7-8 (2.34) for the third time and then wriggled over to claim the win.
“I am much calmer now than in Paris even if there is still a bit of regret [that he was not fully fit at the Olympics and finished 11th with 7-3¼]. Jumping 2.34 in what must have been 10 degrees [50F] means everything,” said Tamberi.
He added, “It is a very strong signal; you can react as I did [after Paris], you have to do it. I dedicate this victory to all those who were close to me in those days. After the Olympics I did five meets, I won four. This is a good start [for 2025].”
By coincidence, Tamberi won both his previous DL titles — those Finals were held in Zürich — also with 7-8 clearances.
Doroshchuk equaled his PR set in the Paris final but USA’s ’24 OG silver medalist Shelby McEwen had a night to forget as he could only clear his opening height of 6-11½ (2.12) before bringing the bar down three times at 7-1½ (2.17).
Results
1. Gianmarco Tamberi (Ita) 7-8 (2.34); 2. Oleh Doroshchuk (Ukr) 7-7 (2.31); 3. Sang-hyeok Woo (SK) 7-4½ (2.25); 4. Romaine Beckford (Jam) 7-3¼ (2.22); 5. Thomas Carmoy (Bel) 7-3¼; 6. Shelby McEwen (US) 6-11½ (2.12).