Marcell Jacobs, the reigning Olympic 100-meter champion, may now reside in a gated community in Florida, but he hasn't let that newfound privacy diminish his drive to prove himself on the track. After the chaos and attention that surrounded him following his historic win at the Tokyo Olympics, Jacobs is fully focused on defending his gold medal at this year's Paris Games.
Living a relatively anonymous life in Florida suits Jacobs just fine. Hardly anybody recognizes him and he is able to go about his daily routine without being bothered. However, the sprinter still feels the pressure of competitors wanting to dethrone him and take his crown. Speaking to The Associated Press in a video interview from Jacksonville, Jacobs expressed his eagerness to arrive in Paris and strive for victory once again.
The decision to move to Florida and join an elite training group in Jacksonville led by coach Rana Reider came after two injury-plagued seasons. Jacobs felt a need to regain his motivation and train alongside athletes who would push him to his limits every day. The training group, known as the Tumbleed Track Club, includes notable sprinters like Andre De Grasse, the Olympic 200-meter champion, and Trayvon Bromell, a two-time world championship bronze medalist in the 100. This talented group of athletes has the potential to make the Olympic final on August 4 at the Stade de France a fiercely competitive event.
Born in El Paso, Texas, to an American father and Italian mother, Jacobs moved to Italy at a young age. Now, being in Florida with his wife and children allows him to reconnect with his American relatives and improve his English. Jacobs expresses gratitude for the opportunity to revive relationships with his American family members, who were previously distant due to the geographical separation.
Living in Florida also provides Jacobs with opportunities to engage in other activities he enjoys. As a motorsport enthusiast, Jacobs attends events like the 24 Hours of Daytona, feeding his need for speed. He has also taken up golf, recognizing the sport's requirement of patience and control, qualities opposite to the explosive power and speed demanded in sprinting. Additionally, Jacobs has visited a shooting range to experience the thrill of shooting pistols and rifles.
Despite the doubts and insinuations surrounding his victory in Tokyo, where he broke the 10-second barrier for the first time, Jacobs remains focused and determined. He faces the label of being a 'one-race wonder,' even though he has won titles at world and European championships. Jacobs acknowledges that many people in Italy, including those unfamiliar with track and field, perceive his Olympic success as the pinnacle of his career. However, he remains unfazed by the critics and chooses to concentrate on his own progress.
Noah Lyles, the American sprinter who swept gold in the 100, 200, and 4x100 at the 2019 world championships, is already the favorite heading into the Paris Games. Lyles' recent blistering 60-meter time of 6.44 seconds in Boston only solidified his status. Jacobs recognizes Lyles' excellent form and the confidence he has gained, expecting him to enter the Olympics as the clear favorite. However, Jacobs thrives when the odds are stacked against him and relishes the chance to prove his detractors wrong by exceeding expectations.
Jacobs' upcoming racing schedule includes a return to competition in the U.S. in April, followed by participation in the World Relays in the Bahamas in early May alongside his Italian teammates. They hope to build on their gold in Tokyo with a strong performance at the relay event. Additionally, Jacobs has high hopes for the home European Athletics Championships in Rome in June, where he aims to showcase the results of his training in Florida.
Marcell Jacobs' journey in the world of athletics has been marked by significant changes and challenges. Starting as a long jumper before transitioning into sprinting, he continues to embrace his roots with his Instagram handle 'crazylongjumper.' Jacobs recognizes the importance of remembering where he came from and the perseverance it takes to reach the top of his game.
As he prepares for the Paris Olympics, Marcell Jacobs remains focused and determined to defend his title as the Olympic 100-meter champion. With a new training base in Florida, support from his talented training group, and the motivation to prove himself once again, Jacobs is ready to step onto the track in Paris and show the world his undying spirit and determination to succeed.
