Tamberi: "I Don't Accept Failure" Before High Jump Final
Italian high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi, known as "Gimbo", is preparing for the high jump final at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
The final takes place this evening and will feature four Italian athletes, including Tamberi himself.
In an interview before the competition, Tamberi said, "I do not accept failure, but I must find my boldness again." His words suggest he wants to return to the confident style that made him a champion.
He also spoke about his teammate Sioli, saying he believes Sioli is capable of finishing on the podium, meaning a place among the top three athletes.
Besides Tamberi and Sioli, two other Italian athletes, Chiara and Camilla, are also competing in Birmingham, showing the strength of the Italian team at this year's championships.
The European Championships bring together the best athletes from across Europe, and the high jump final is one of the most anticipated events of the competition.
Vocabulary5 words
- high jumper
- an athlete who jumps over a raised bar
- European Athletics Championships
- a major sports event for European athletes
- failure
- not succeeding; losing
- boldness
- confidence and courage
- podium
- the place for the top three finishers
Quiz
Answer key
1. He does not accept it 2. Sioli can reach the podium 3. Four
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Italian high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi, known as "Gimbo", is preparing for the high jump _____ at the European Athletics Championships in _____.
The final takes place this evening and will feature _____ Italian athletes, including Tamberi himself.
In an interview before the competition, Tamberi said, "I do not accept _____, but I must find my _____ again."
He also spoke about his teammate Sioli, saying he believes Sioli is capable of finishing on the _____.
Besides Tamberi and Sioli, two other Italian athletes, Chiara and _____, are also competing in Birmingham.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think Tamberi mentioned the word "failure"?
- What does "boldness" mean for an athlete like Tamberi?
- Why might Tamberi speak positively about a teammate before a competition?
- How important is team spirit in individual sports like high jump?