Italian high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi’s flag-bearing duties during the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Olympics took an unexpected turn, and it was unrelated to the green, white, and red flag he was proudly displaying.
He misplaced his wedding ring.
Tamberi took to Instagram to share that his wedding ring has found a new resting place at the bottom of the Seine River, where all the national boats traversed during the ceremonies.
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Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy celebrates a jump during day five of the 26th European Athletics Championships – Rome 2024 at Stadio Olimpico on June 11, 2024, in Rome. (Daniela Porcelli/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Tamberi issued a heartfelt open letter to his wife, Chiara Bontempi, whom he has been married to for two years, expressing his remorse.
“I’m sorry my love, I’m so sorry,” he penned in Italian on Instagram, which was later translated to English. “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.”
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He recounted witnessing his ring slip off, stating, “I followed it until I saw it bounce inside the boat.” However, “the rebound went in the wrong direction unfortunately.”
During Friday’s opening ceremony, Tamberi shared flag-bearing responsibilities with fencer Arianna Errigo.
Known for his vibrant personality, Tamberi embraced the grandeur of the event, and his joy was evident as he waved his country’s flag.
Arianna Errigo and Gianmarco Tamberi, Flagbearers of Team Italy, wave their flag on the team boat along the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. (Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Tamberi, one of the top high jumpers globally, previously showcased his flamboyant side by pretending to hide springs in his spikes when he clinched gold at the European Championships leading up to the Paris Games. He was also seen leaping into the arms of Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella after his victory.
During the Tokyo Games, Tamberi joyfully shared the gold medal with Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim, celebrating their win with exuberance.
In his Instagram reflections, Tamberi hinted at aspirations of winning an even more prestigious gold when his event occurs.
Despite the loss of his ring, he finds comfort in its resting place, stating, “If it had to happen, if I really had to lose this ring, I couldn’t imagine a better place. It will remain forever on the riverbed in the City of Love.”
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