by Larry Eder
Marcel Jacobs has had an amazing year.
Marcel Jacobs won the European Athletics Indoor Championships 60 meters in March 2021. It was a big surprise to many, as Jacobs controlled the heats and the final in Torun, Poland.
Still, later that spring, Marcel Jacobs began to improve over the 100 meters, setting the NR at 100 meters on more than one occasion. By the time Marcel Jacobs got to Tokyo, he was still underestimated.
Marcel Jacobs, Olympic champion, World Indoor Champion, European Indoor Champion, is numero uno! photo: KIP KEINO CLASSIC media
Each round, Marcel Jacobs looked better in Tokyo. Still, many thought Bingtian Su was the man after the semi-finals. In the Tokyo final, Marcel Jacobs used the technique that his coach had drilled into him, and got out strong, battling Kerley and DeGrasse. It was about 60 meters that the Italian stallion took control. Jacob’s strength from 60 to 90 meters is where he wins the race.
Still, after the Olympics, some said that Jacobs was lucky, he did not have everyone there.
By everyone, they meant Christian Coleman.
In Belgrade, Serbia, in March 2022, Marcel Jacobs defeated Christian Coleman and Marvin Bracy at the line, in the men’s 60 meters. Now, the crazy long jumper, the Twitter handle used by Jacobs, referring to his long jump forays prior to becoming a sprinter, had won both indoor and outdoor titles. He is the fastest man alive, in 2021 and now, 2022.
Click on the sound cloud audio featuring Marcel Jacobs speaking with the media at the Nairobi airport, May 2022. Special thanks to Justin Lagat, who covered the meet for RunBlogRun, and the KIP KEINO CLASSIC media team, who provided the audio files.
On May 4, 2022, Marcel Jacobs flew to Nairobi, Kenya from Italy. He was greeted by the media and fans. Marcel spoke with the media, and you can hear the interview below.
Marcel Jacobs, Nairobi Airport, May 4, 2022, photo: KIP KEINO CLASSIC MEDIA
Unfortunately, Marcel Jacobs picked up a stomach virus on May 5, and had to withdraw from the 100 meters. Without Jacobs, Ferdinand Omanyala and Fred Kerley battled and Omanyala, to the delight of the Kenyan fans, won the 100m in a WL 9.85.
Via social media, Marcel told his fans that he had to withdraw due to the stomach virus and that he would race in about two weeks.
We are looking forward to seeing Marcel Jacobs on May 28 in Eugene, Oregon, for the Nike Pre Classic 100 meters.
