During the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Italian high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi faced an unexpected mishap while carrying out his flag-bearing duties. The incident had nothing to do with the Italian flag he was waving, but rather with his wedding ring, which he unfortunately lost during the event.
Tamberi took to Instagram to share the unfortunate news, revealing that his wedding ring now rests at the bottom of the Seine River. The river was the route taken by all the country's boats during the opening ceremonies, leading to the ring's accidental plunge into the water.
In a heartfelt open letter addressed to his wife, Chiara Bontempi, whom he has been married to for two years, Tamberi expressed his deep regret over the loss. He wrote in Italian on Instagram, which was later translated to English, 'I’m sorry my love, I’m so sorry. Too much water, too many kilograms lost over the last few months and maybe the uncontrollable enthusiasm of what we were doing. Probably all three things.'
The incident added a touch of unexpected drama to Tamberi's Olympic experience, showcasing the human side of the elite athlete. Despite the mishap, Tamberi's dedication to his sport and his country remained unwavering, as he continued to participate in the Games with passion and determination.
As Tamberi competes in the high jump event at the Paris Olympics, his lost wedding ring serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and challenges that athletes often face in pursuit of their dreams. The support and understanding of his wife, Chiara, will undoubtedly provide Tamberi with the strength and motivation to overcome this setback and give his best performance on the world stage.
