Jacobs revealed that he has been battling a series of challenges and his season has not gone the way he intended it to be.
Olympic champion Marcel Jacobs has penned down an emotional message explaining what has slowed him down but he has promised to bounce back.
Jacobs revealed that he has been battling a series of challenges and his season has not gone the way he intended it to be.
11:30 - 09.06.2023
ATHLETICS: Olympic champion Marcel Jacobs addresses his relationship with rival Fred Kerley
In the recent past, Jacobs and Kerley were involved in an altercation that saw them request for a one-on-one race to determine who the greatest 100m athlete is.
“I've been wanting to write something to you for some time, but I've never been able to find the right words. But now I feel the strength needed to tell you how I feel, it is correct that you know.
"I started the outdoor season and unfortunately, it didn't go the way I wanted. Yet, despite having been stopped for almost a month due to my physical problem.
"Despite knowing that I was in no way ready to achieve the results we all hoped for, I chose to take the field anyway, knowing full well that probably many would not have understood that the result of that race was not the goal I set for myself,” he wrote.
The Italian added that it was important for him to get back on track since he felt the joy when the crowd cheered him on and meeting with his opponents was also great.
He revealed that starting his outdoor season felt good but then his legs did not support the effort until the end.
He also addressed the critics explaining that he will bounce back stronger and noted that they should have supported him during the tough period since it is difficult being a professional athlete.
14:30 - 07.06.2023
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“And inevitable came the criticisms, attacks, and teasing of those who do not know and even imagine how complicated the life of a professional athlete can be. In an instant, all the results achieved seemed to be worth nothing.
"I'm very sorry because it would be nice if I could be supported in such complicated moments. But I don't want to let all of this affect me and make decisions that aren't the right ones for me.
"I want to remind you that I am a human being and I push my body to give 110% continuously, and I sweat, toil, and spit blood every single day of my life to achieve really challenging goals.
12:00 - 11.06.2023
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This season, the duo first clashed at the Atlanta City Games.
"And I will be reborn again, overcoming the obstacles that life is putting in front of me again. I will succeed, because I will never let anything or anyone stop me from dreaming and fighting to reach my goals! See you soon and I hope to find you by my side once again,” he said.
Jacobs was expected to face off against world champion Fred Kerley in two Diamond League Meetings but unfortunately withdrew due to injuries. He intended to open his outdoor season in Rabat, Morocco, and later in his home country, Italy.
He finally opened his season at the Diamond League Meeting in Paris, France, where he faded to finish seventh in the race that was won by American Noah Lyles.