Gianmarco Tamberi Hospitalized with Kidney Issue

Cataleya

August 05, 2024 · 1 min read

Gianmarco Tamberi Hospitalized with Kidney Issue
Other Sports | August 05, 2024
Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi and Qatar's Mutaz Barshim shared the Olympic gold medal in Tokyo. (Image: Getty)

Gianmarco Tamberi the Olympic high jump champion has landed in the hospital with a suspected kidney issue, just days before he plans to defend the title he famously shared in Tokyo. The Italian athlete, who clinched gold in Tokyo alongside Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim after both cleared the same height revealed that he experienced severe side pain on Sunday. He posted a photo from his hospital bed, expressing disbelief and frustration over his situation.

Tamberi described his ordeal, stating, “Unbelievable… this can’t be true. Yesterday… I felt a stabbing pain in my side. Emergency room, CT scan, ultrasound, blood test. Probable kidney stone.” He also mentioned that he had a fever of 38.8°C. The 32-year-old has received advice to delay his travel to Paris until Monday, casting doubt on his preparation for the upcoming high jump event.

Despite these setbacks, Tamberi remains determined to compete. He vowed, “Only one thing is certain, I don’t know how I will get there, but I will be there on that platform and I will give my soul until the last jump, whatever my condition will be.” The high jump qualifying round is scheduled for Wednesday morning, with the final set for Sunday.

Gianmarco Tamberi’s hospitalization introduces an unexpected twist to his bid to defend his Olympic title. As he battles through his health issues, the athletics community and his supporters eagerly await updates on his condition and participation in the Paris Games.