Italian sprinter Marcell Jacobs says he feels physically and mentally stronger than he did when he claimed Olympic gold in Tokyo, as he prepares to return to the track for the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
Marcell Jacobs Prepares for the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham
According to statements reported by Italian news agency Italpress, Jacobs assessed his current form ahead of the European championships scheduled for August 10–16 in Birmingham. The sprinter acknowledged past fluctuations in his career but emphasized his readiness to compete. “I’ve had ups and downs, but I don’t feel like I’ve ever left,” Jacobs stated during the national relay squad gathering, as covered by Italpress.
“I feel good physically, then I leave the data to my coach who deals with that,” Jacobs added, according to Italpress. “My head has to be free to think about getting on the track, doing what I know how to do in the best possible way. Let’s see how it goes.”
Comparing Current Form to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Reflecting on his conditioning compared to his milestone victory in Japan, Jacobs rejected the notion that his performance level has dropped. “I don’t think I am much further behind compared to 2021,” Jacobs told Italpress. “Physically, in terms of strength and quality, I don’t feel inferior to other years; indeed, maybe I even feel stronger. Mentally I certainly feel stronger.”
The 100-meter champion also evaluated the competitive landscape at the upcoming European meet in Birmingham. Pointing to the progression of international rivals over the past two seasons, Jacobs noted that the winning time will likely fall between 9.90 and 9.95 seconds, similar to the level required when he won gold at the European Championships in Munich. “Right now there is no number one dominator,” Jacobs concluded, via Italpress. “In the end, that day counts more than what you do throughout the season.”