Paris Olympic Games 2024: Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi loses wedding ring in River Seine at rain-hit opening ceremony - Eurosport
See how Tamberi accidentally drops his wedding ring into the Seine River while participating in the Opening Ceremony.
Tamberi, who is 32 years old, received a lot of attention during the Tokyo 2020 Games when he decided to share the gold medal in the high jump with Mutaz Essa Barshim from Qatar. Both athletes chose not to attempt to jump over the 2.37m bar after clearing it.
The champion from Europe and the world held up the flag of Italy with Arianna Errigo, a three-time Olympic medalist, as boats representing each country floated down the Seine River on Friday night. The backdrop featured beautiful Parisian buildings and heavy rain pouring down.
In those circumstances, Tamberi's wedding ring accidentally came off his finger, bounced off the side of the boat, and fell into the river in Paris.
According to reports from Eurosport Italy, members of the Italian Olympic team playfully taunted the high jump champion with remarks like "what will you say to your spouse now?"
Eurosport Italy also mentioned that a player from the water polo team offered to record a video and send it to Tamberi's wife as proof of his innocence.
Italy has brought 402 athletes to the Paris Olympics, and Tamberi mentioned Italy's "special excitement" as they enter the Games.
"It was really amazing and the end was stunning with the Eiffel Tower and the five rings," Tamberi exclaimed following the parade. "The team showed a special excitement that made other boats jealous."
Tamberi expressed his enthusiasm on social media about starting the Olympic campaign with his enthusiastic Italian team.
"Let's make sure this Olympics is one to remember for our wonderful country," Tamberi exclaimed. "Best of luck to all the athletes on this amazing team, we're going to dominate."
Tamberi will start competing to defend his high jump title on August 7, when the qualification rounds for the track and field event kick off.
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