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American sprint icon Michael Johnson has voiced his dissatisfaction with how Olympics 100m champion Marcell Jacobs is approaching his title defence at the Paris Games.
Former Olympic champion Michael Johnson does not feel Marcell Jacobs understands what would be the full impact on his career if he defended his Olympics 100m title in Paris.
Jacobs, who has had an injury-ravaged spell since winning the Olympics 100m gold in Tokyo in 2021, is back on the mend as he looks to stay in shape for his title defence in the French capital.
The sprinter has changed coaches and even relocated from his native Italy to the United States but he has stated that winning a second Olympic gold medal would not change much about who he is.
13:03 - 31.03.2024
Marcell Jacobs: Olympics champion describes adjustments he’s made to get his injury-ravaged career back on track
Olympic 100m champion Marcell Jacobs has revealed the changes he has made to his athletics career and personal life to regain his shape after injuries took its toll on him.
“Winning a second gold wouldn’t make that much of a change to me and my image,” Jacobs told The Guardian, something Johnson does not agree with.
“This quote is 100% wrong: ‘Winning a second gold wouldn’t make that much of a change to me and my image.’ If he were to successfully defend his 100m Olympic title he’d become one of the greatest Olympic sprinters of all time,” Johnson posted on X (Twitter), in reference to Jacob’s statement.
Jacobs was speaking about how his Olympics gold saw him become a global star but also proved costly as the spotlight took its toll on him.
The Italian has had to endure criticism after missing a lot of events, including the 2022 World Championships, due to a persistent back problem and admitted it is one of the reasons he adjusted his training and personal life.
“People’s criticism really hit me hard. It came from everywhere – from Italy and abroad. As if I wasn’t competing because I was afraid. I’ve never been afraid of anything in my life. I wasn’t competing because I wasn’t able to,” said Jacobs, who ditched his coach Paolo Camossi for the highly experienced Rana Reider.
“It was a difficult time because you train to get results and not getting them was hard. The two post-Olympic years were difficult years. I really needed something that would spark me.”
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13:32 - 31.03.2024
Ferdinand Omanyala, Letisile Tebogo set for thrilling battle at Kip Keino Classic
Ferdinand Omanyala and Letsile Tebogo will set up an exciting 100m battle after both confirmed their participation at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi.
Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates.
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