"I really didn't know anything about him". Silver medallist in the 100m, Fred Kerley himself admits that Lamont Marcell Jaccobs' triumph in the world's most prestigious event came as a huge surprise. The first time I ran at the same time as him was at the Monaco meeting in July," said the American after the race. He did a fantastic job. I ran really well and I got a medal, so I can't complain. It was a great race and I set a personal best. I'm blessed to be here, at the peak of my career.
If there's one runner who can say as much, it's his Italian counterpart. In the 100m final, Lamont Marcell Jacobs beat the continental record, which he had already lowered in the semi-final, with a time of 9′80. Speaking in the mixed zone, the Italian runner made no secret of his delight and his own surprise at his resounding performance.
Were you expecting this title?
LAMONT MARCELL JACOBS No, no, my only dream when I arrived here was to reach the final. It's incredible, I don't have the words to describe this moment. I think I'll need four or five years to realise, to understand what's happened, it's incredible. I've worked really hard to get here in the best possible shape.
Italy has won two titles, including the height title. What does this represent?
It's incredible. Last night we were playing PlayStation in my room with Gianmarco (Tamberi) and we were thinking: "Imagine if we won? Nooo... It's impossible, don't think about it". But tonight I saw him win 5 minutes before me and I said to myself: "I'll do it". He's a really good guy, incredible, I love him. He's been through some bad times and now we're both Olympic champions.
You had never gone under 10 seconds this year, what did you change?
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