Marcell Jacobs, the reigning Olympic 100m champion, expressed his desire to be considered the favourite heading into the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, even though the weight of expectations is significant following a tumultuous season.
Jacobs faced challenges this season, withdrawing from 100m showdowns with world champion Fred Kerley twice due to a back problem.
His only outdoor appearance this year resulted in a seventh-place finish in the Diamond League meeting in Paris, clocking 10.21 seconds.
“This season hasn’t been smooth for me; doubts and worries have been prevalent, but I’ve persevered,” admitted the 28-year-old Italian.
Over the past two years, Jacobs encountered numerous hurdles, missing out on last year’s world championships in Eugene and yet to face Kerley since their clash in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Online discussions and social media banter about a potential run-off with Kerley were acknowledged by Jacobs, who emphasized mutual respect. However, he aimed to focus on himself, progress through the semis to the final, and perform at his best on the grand stage.
The competition in the 100m category remains wide open, featuring a diverse field including athletes like Noah Lyles, Zharnel Hughes, Ferdinand Omanyala, and Letsile Tebogo. Jacobs acknowledged the challenge and looked forward to the event.
While Jacobs acknowledged that his season didn’t go as planned, he believed that had he achieved his intended times, his performance could surpass his competitors. He expressed anticipation for the competition and refrained from rating himself on a scale.
Working hard to maintain focus on the world championships, Jacobs recognized the significance of achieving a medal that completes his collection.
As the reigning Olympic champion, he acknowledged the attention on him and the responsibility that comes with it. Despite the burden, he embraced being considered the favourite, seeing it as an energy boost.
Jacobs also discussed his participation in a Netflix documentary that features a group of sprinters, a concept similar to documentaries on Formula One and the Tour de France.
He viewed this project as a way to showcase the behind-the-scenes aspects of athletes’ lives and expand the reach of athletics to a broader audience. The documentary aims to create more fans and engage them in athletes’ journeys beyond the Olympic Games and world championships.
