Gianmarco Tamberi wins the gold medal in the high jump at the European Championships in Birmingham, while Matteo Sioli takes the bronze. The Marche native jumped 2.32 on the second attempt, two centimeters more than the Ukrainian Oleh Doroshchuk, silver. The Milanese, perfect up to 2.27, stopped after the first attempt at 2.30 due to a muscle strain.
“It’s a special evening, it’s my daughter’s birthday: it was she who gave me strength after Paris”
“It’s a special evening, it’s Camilla’s birthday: it was she who gave me strength after Paris. She couldn’t continue to see her father getting slapped left and right. There are very strong opponents, even in Italy, and they give you the strength to react. To all the people who are going through difficulties I say: believe in it and keep fighting. I knew that tonight it would happen, few believed me but I knew I was fine: it’s as if my body was waiting for the moment that counts to come out.” Thus Gianmarco Tamberi on Rai microphones after the gold in the high jump at the European Athletics Championships underway in Birmingham. Then, on Matteo Sioli’s bronze: “Matteo doesn’t need any handovers, he’s at a level that I dreamed of at his age. With what he did tonight he proved that he’s already a good and established champion: we have fun playing it together.” And Matteo Sioli himself, bronze medal after stopping at the first mistake at 2.30 due to a physical problem, comments: “I’m very sorry, I was certainly worth much more than 2.27, unfortunately these are accidents that happen – his words -. I cared a lot about this race, it went very well. I’m even happier that Gimbo (Tamberi, ed.) reconfirmed himself. I also dedicate the medal to my grandfather who passed away shortly before the start”.
Desalu bronze in the 200 meters
Fausto Desalu wins bronze medal in the 200 meters at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham. The Italian finished third after the photo finish with a time of 20″26. Seventh was the other Italian Filippo Dezza, gold went to the German Owen Ansah.
This medal is the crowning achievement of my multi-year career. I have been in the national team since 2014, I played in three Olympics, from Rio to Paris. I was always there, but I finally got this medal. It’s not the prettiest metal, but to me it feels like gold. This medal is the answer to those who said that Italian speed has taken a step backwards. We’ve already said everything.” Thus Fausto Desalu, on Rai microphones, after the bronze in the 200 meters at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.