The above sentence could just as easily apply to me. If you know me, I’ve probably told you the story of how I was once kicked off a bus at 3 a.m. on the Romanian border for forgetting my ID card.
Besides learning to triple-check my documents before every trip, I also learned I’m capable of stepping off a bus without panicking, laughing at myself, hopping into a Romanian minivan headed for Debrecen Airport (with help from Hungarian border guards), and making my way home to Budapest.
These “these things only ever happen to me” stories are like a fast-track to learning something new—about ourselves, our resilience, other people, and the world. About how certain things only seem impossible or unsolvable until they actually happen—and we solve them.
And let’s be honest: they make for excellent stories later.
But today’s story isn’t about me.
The Man Who Lost and Gained It All
At the start of the Paris 2024 Olympics, many came across the post of a flag bearer who lost their wedding ring in the Seine during the Opening Ceremony, sharing a heartfelt story on social media.
If you followed the 2016 Rio Olympics, you may remember the athlete who won every competition that season – including the Monaco Diamond League – where he set a new Italian record at 2.39m. Attempting 2.41m, he tore his Achilles tendon and was carried off the field in tears, just four weeks before the Games he’d been preparing for since London (not unlike Margot Chevrier eight years later).
Many also remember the iconic shared gold medal in men’s high jump at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics between Tamberi and Mutaz Essa Barshim – a moment of true sportsmanship later echoed by Katie Moon and Nina Kennedy at the Budapest 2023 World Championships.
On August 3, 2024 – just one day before his event – Gianmarco Tamberi was rushed to hospital with kidney stone symptoms. He eventually traveled to Paris and qualified with a jump of 2.24m.
But on August 10, after spending the early morning hours in an emergency room, it seemed impossible he’d compete. Yet he showed up at Stade de France with medical clearance, cleared 2.21m on his third attempt, but failed to go any higher. Visibly disappointed, he stayed to cheer on his fellow athletes.
2024. augusztus 3-án, párizsi olimpiára indulás előtt egy nappal, az olasz Gianmarco Tamberi kórházba sietett, veseköves tünetekkel. Végül kiutazott, selejtezőben elért 224cm magassággal továbbjutott.
2024. augusztus 10-én délután még úgy tűnt, kizárt dolog, hogy Gimbo részt vegyen a döntőben, a párizsi sürgősségin töltött hajnal és délelőtt után.
Este, orvosi engedéllyel mégis megjelent a Stade de France-ban. Egyértelmű fájdalmai ellenére, harmadjára győzte le az első (221cm) magasságot, a következőt (227cm) sajnos nem sikerült már átugrania. Láthatóan csalódott volt, de figyelemmel és drukkolással kísérte a többieket a verseny végéig.
Always Something with Gimbo
People often say these things only ever happen to Tamberi – and, let’s be honest, he might be adding fuel to the fire.
This is the same guy who, after breaking the European Championship record, pretended to be injured, only to throw a handful of springs from his shoe as a prank.
At the Budapest World Championships, he delivered a drum solo after winning, then spent the next 40 minutes entertaining the crowd with his antics.
He’s also the guy who sent a heartfelt video to fellow athlete Margot Chevrier the night she brokeher ankle, offering support and advice from experience.
Tamberi is often recognized for shaving only half his beard before competitions – a symbol of duality and defiance.
He is a phenomenon. As both an athlete and a showman, he dares, he tries, he entertains, he fights, and he always wants to win. On and off the field, his raw emotions and tireless work ethic are on full display.
Some may find the show, the beard, and the Instagram monologues a bit too much. But his results – barring acts of fate – speak for themselves.
Turning Loss into Love
Since Paris, Gianmarco has recovered and is back in training. He transformed the lost wedding ring into a love letter to his wife, suggesting she throw hers into the Seine too – and that they get married again.
The shared gold in Tokyo wasn’t just about medals – it was about celebrating friendship, sportsmanship, and resilience with his close friend Mutaz Essa Barshim.
These things only ever happen to Tamberi. Or to me. Or to you.
With Tamberi. With me. With you.
Along the way, we get tired, we hit walls, we cry. There is loss, disappointment, and pain. But if we’re open to it, every one of these events holds a lesson in humility, humor, perseverance, and the next level of courage.
These things happen – and that’s just the way it should be.
