Italian high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi lost his wedding ring during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, as it fell into the River Seine. Tamberi shared an apology to his wife on Instagram, expressing regret for the mishap.
Italian high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi experienced a bittersweet moment during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. While proudly waving his country's flag, he lost his cherished wedding ring in the River Seine.
In an emotional Instagram post, Tamberi shared the unfortunate news, apologizing to his wife, Chiara Bontempi. "Too much water, too many kilograms lost over the last few months, and maybe the uncontrollable enthusiasm of what we were doing," he wrote. "Probably all three things."
Olympic High Jumper's Wedding Ring Sinks to the Bottom of the Seine
Tamberi vividly described witnessing the ring slip off his finger and bounce into the boat where he was standing. Unfortunately, the rebound took the ring in the wrong direction, and it sank to the bottom of the river.
Despite the setback, Tamberi remains optimistic, viewing the Seine as a fitting resting place for his ring. "If it had to happen, if I really had to lose this ring, I couldn't imagine a better place," he wrote on Instagram. "It will remain forever on the riverbed in the City of Love."
Olympic High Jumper's Wedding Ring Sinks to the Bottom of the Seine
Tamberi's flamboyant personality has often been on display in his sporting achievements. At the 2024 European Championships, he pretended to hide springs in his spikes after securing gold. He also famously jumped into Italian President Sergio Mattarella's arms after his victory.
In the Tokyo Games, Tamberi shared gold with Mutaz Barshim, the Qatari track star, and celebrated with wild enthusiasm. His Instagram post hints at his determination to bring home even more gold in Paris, although he acknowledges the irony of losing his ring in the process.
Olympic High Jumper's Wedding Ring Sinks to the Bottom of the Seine
The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics featured various performances and artistic displays. Among the highlights was a controversial drag queen parody of Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper." The performance sparked outrage from some viewers who condemned it as disrespectful and inappropriate.
As the Olympic Games continue, athletes from around the world will compete for medals and glory. For Tamberi, his performance in the high jump will hold special significance, as it will be a chance to honor his marriage and his country while aiming for the highest podium finish.
