Marcell Jacobs ready for 2024 season opener in Rome

Marcell Jacobs ready for 2024 season opener in Rome

Abigael Wafula 14:56 - 08.04.2024

Marcell Jacobs is ready to open his 2024 season as he sets ambitious targets to defend his Olympic and European 100m titles and make history.

Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs is ready to make a comeback after a disappointing 2023 season and has confirmed where he intends to open his 2024 campaign.

After missing the entire indoor season, the Italian sprinter is now focused on having a great build-up as he seeks to defend both his Olympic and European titles as the season picks up.

Jacobs relocated to Florida during the off-season, he has been sharpening his talons with eyes fixed on the top prize.

He has now confirmed participation in the 100m at the Rome Sprint Festival at the Stadio dei Marmi - the warm-up track for the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships on Sunday, May 18.

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"I can’t wait to be there; running at home will be a fantastic experience. I’m looking for redemption after two difficult seasons," Jacobs told Sky Sports Italia.

“This year I will be happy if I manage to defend both my 100m titles at the European Athletics Championships and the Olympics."

Jacobs' season of breakthrough was back in 2021 when he won two gold medals at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, winning the 100m title in a European record of 9.80 to become the first European sprinter since Linford Christie in 1992 to land the men’s 100m title before triumphing as part of Italy’s 4x100m relay team.

If he manages to retain his 100m title in front of a packed Stadio Olimpico this June, he will become the first male sprinter since Christophe Lemaitre in 2012 to win back-to-back European 100m titles.

"On a mental level I am fine, I am very relaxed and very focused on training and in September, I will be happy if I will confirm my two titles, the Olympic and the European one. I am happy to make my debut in Italy in Rome, a city I love and where I will move soon," he added.

Meanwhile, Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) Technical Director Antonio La Torre said: "It will be great to see Jacobs again at the Stadio dei Marmi."

“He will be able to start breathing the atmosphere of the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships in the stadium named (after) Pietro Mennea (1980 Olympic 200m champion).”

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