Gianmarco Tamberi’s Mishap at Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony Turns Into Romantic Gesture
Italian high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi has penned a heartfelt apology to his wife, Chiara Bontempi Tamberi, after accidentally losing his wedding ring during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. The 32-year-old world champion, who was proudly waving the Italian flag, watched in dismay as his ring slipped off his finger and vanished into the River Seine.
‘I’m sorry, my love’
Tamberi, known for his exuberant personality and athletic prowess, took to Instagram to express his regret. “I’m sorry my love, I’m so sorry,” he wrote, addressing Chiara in a touching post. He attributed the mishap to “losing too many kilos” and “irrepressible enthusiasm.”
“If it had to happen, if I had to lose this ring, I couldn’t imagine a better place,” he wrote, adding that the ring will now “remain forever in the riverbed of the city of love.”
In his post, Tamberi described the incident as “poetic” and suggested a charming idea to his wife: “Maybe we could throw your ring in the river too. [Then] they will be together forever, and we will have one more excuse to renew our vows and marry again.” Chiara responded with a sweet comment, “Only you could turn this into something romantic.”
The couple, who have been married since September 2022, shared a poignant moment as the boat carrying Italy’s athletes sailed down the Seine. Tamberi, waving Italy’s flag alongside three-time Olympic medalist Arianna Errigo, watched in disbelief as his ring bounced off the boat and disappeared into the river. “A few moments that lasted forever,” he described the incident.
Tokyo glory
Tamberi’s Olympic journey has been marked by memorable moments. At the Tokyo 2020 Games, he made headlines by sharing the high jump gold medal with Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim. Both athletes agreed to settle for the gold by not attempting to clear the bar beyond 2.37m.
Known for his distinctive half-shaven beard, which he has sported since 2011 as his “trademark” style, Tamberi continues to capture the public’s imagination both on and off the field.