During the opening night of the 75th Sanremo Festival on February 11, 2025, Gianmarco Tamberi, the Olympic gold medalist in high jump, made headlines with an unexpected announcement: "Ci vediamo a Los Angeles 2028!" This declaration, delivered to thunderous applause at the iconic Ariston Theatre, served to silence persistent rumors about his potential retirement from competitive athletics.
Joining him on stage were beloved Italian singer Jovanotti and presenter Carlo Conti, who set the stage for Tamberi's big reveal. After taking the stage amid cheers and chants reminiscent of his on-field triumphs, Tamberi reflected on his challenging post-Olympics experience. He had weathered months of uncertainty following the 2024 Paris Olympics, facing health complications and grappling with the emotional fallout of not meeting his expectations during what was meant to be another Olympic showcase.
Tamberi articulated his struggles candidly, sharing, "Dopo Parigi sono stati dei mesi molto duri... Quando si prova con tutto se stessi a rincorrere un obiettivo e lo sfiori con un dito perdi la fiducia in te stesso, perdi il coraggio di rimetterti in gioco." These words encapsulate the athlete's internal battle, offering insights not only on his physical challenges but the mental hurdles as well.
After addressing his fears, Tamberi underscored the importance of resilience. "Mi sono reso conto che quello che ha fatto la differenza davvero non sono mai state le vittorie, ma la volontà di riprovarci," he said, emphasizing his determination to rise above the adversity he faced. His commitment to return to form as he aimed for the Los Angeles Games galvanized support from fans, who had been following his ups and downs closely through social media and during competitions.
The announcement at Sanremo was particularly poignant, marking the stage as not only one of Italy’s cultural corners but also relevant for Tamberi’s career narrative. Just weeks before, he had shared cryptic messages on his Instagram, hinting at uncertainty about his sporting future, causing concern among his supporters. A post describing, "Forse è il momento di prendere quella decisione..." raised alarms about the possibility of retirement, but this was clearly not the path he chose.
Now refocused and invigorated, Tamberi's statement brought renewed hope not only for himself but also for thousands of fans who see him as a beacon of inspiration. "Oggi ho tantissima paura, ma è molta più la voglia di riprovarci, di rimettersi in gioco e di poter dare la speranza. Quindi, ci vediamo a Los Angeles 2028!" became not just a promise but also a rallying cry for perseverance.
Tamberi’s career has been marked by impressive achievements, including his win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and multiple European championships. Yet, the path has never been smooth, punctuated by injuries and intense pressure. His recent health struggles, including renal complications after the Paris Olympics, had led many to speculate about his future.
Nevertheless, the stage at Sanremo served as the perfect venue for Tamberi to clarify his intentions. Surrounded by friends and supporters, he conveyed gratitude to those who stood by him during the tough times. His performance alongside Jovanotti and Conti created moments of levity but also deep introspection, illustrating the emotional duality of sports where joy intertwines with struggle.
This year's Sanremo Festival, not just about music but also achievements from various fields, provided the perfect backdrop for Tamberi's declaration. His desire to push forward to Los Angeles 2028 resonates deeply, echoing the themes of hope, resilience, and ambition. He embodies the spirit of striving for greatness, reinforcing the idea of not letting setbacks define one's path.
Looking forward, the aspiration for the Los Angeles Games now stands as Tamberi's ultimate challenge—a chance for redemption and glory. Not just for himself personally, but as a representative of Italy on the world stage, his return to competition is highly anticipated. Fans can expect to witness one of their finest athletes making another go at Olympic greatness.
With his statement at Sanremo, Gianmarco Tamberi has not only articulated his intention for the future but has also reaffirmed the importance of community support and the shared experiences of struggle and triumph.
The world will be watching as he prepares for what promises to be one final Olympic push. Whether he is able to soar to new heights or not, his commitment to keep trying will undoubtedly inspire many. The countdown to Los Angeles 2028 begins now—a mission filled with dreams, ambitions, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.