Italian high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi has been hospitalised with suspected kidney problems. His chances of defending his Olympic high jump title are looking slim as he endures severe kidney pain that required a hospital visit just days before the preliminary round at Paris Olympics.
His time in Paris has become a nightmare. The 32-year-old Tamberi faced a new challenge when he awoke early on Saturday with intense pain from kidney colic. In a recent Instagram post, Tamberi described his suffering: “The pain I’ve been feeling this morning, no matter how intense, is nothing compared to what I’m experiencing inside. I was rushed to the emergency room after vomiting blood twice. Now I’m going to have more tests to see what’s happening. I’ll keep you updated because the many messages and the love you’re showing me deserve a response. Everything I’ve dreamed of for this day has turned into a nightmare.”
Limelight from Tokyo
Tamberi made headlines during the Tokyo Olympics when Mutaz Essa Barshim declined to participate in a jump-off and shared the gold medal with the Italian high jumper. Due to the shared gold, the men’s high jump event at the Tokyo Olympics ended without a silver medalist. Meanwhile, in the Paris Olympics 2024, Barshim has also been battling injury issues, having struggled with a calf problem.
Tamberi’s unfortunate Paris Olympics
Gianmarco Tamberi has been in the headlines from the start of the Paris Olympics. He lost his wedding ring in the Seine River during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony. Serving as Italy’s flag bearer, Tamberi’s ring slipped off his finger and fell into the river amidst the excitement.