Marcell Jacobs Returns to Italy, Reunited with Historic Coach Camossi, Eyes LA28
Italian sprinter Marcell Jacobs is returning to his roots, ending his training stint in Florida and reuniting with coach Paolo Camossi, a move heralded by Federal President Stefano Mei as a pathway to success at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The decision marks a significant shift for the Olympic gold medalist, who had been working with Rana Reider since September 2023. According to a statement from Mei, “I am proud to be able to announce this return. Jacobs is a heritage of Italian sport, has found his motivation again and can still give a lot on the track, from now until the Olympics in Los Angeles 2028, passing through the European Championships in Birmingham in August.”
The partnership with Reider, while initially promising, ultimately failed to yield the desired results. Despite achieving a personal best of 9.83 seconds – the fastest time ever to not medal – at the Paris Olympic final, the relationship was hampered by injuries, misunderstandings, and personal issues. A recent incident involving the brother of fellow sprinter Filippo Tortu further contributed to the challenges.
This return to Camossi represents a full-circle moment for Jacobs, who previously enjoyed immense success under his guidance, culminating in a historic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. “Some loves don’t end, they make immense turns and then return,” Mei noted, framing the reunion as a powerful sporting narrative.
The move also signals a reconciliation between Jacobs and the Italian Athletics Federation (Fidal), with whom relations had been strained after he was removed from the elite athlete program. “We all travel together again,” Mei affirmed, highlighting a renewed sense of unity. The European Championships in Birmingham this August will serve as the first major test of the revitalized partnership.
Beyond Birmingham, Jacobs has set his sights firmly on Los Angeles 2028. The athlete’s ambition is underscored by the emergence of a new Italian sprinting talent, Matteo Berardo, a 16-year-old who recently set a national under-18 record. Jacobs has already acknowledged Berardo’s potential, identifying him as a “blue star” in the making.
Camossi, described as a “professional and trained technician,” brings a wealth of experience to the table. “His story speaks for itself: with Marcell he wrote memorable pages and I am convinced that this rapprochement can give us new satisfaction,” Mei stated.
The decision to “double down” on his Italian roots, as described in the announcement, appears to be a strategic one for Jacobs. After seeking “new stimuli” following his Tokyo triumphs, the experience in Florida ultimately proved less advantageous than anticipated. The return to Camossi and a more familiar environment is expected to provide the stability and support needed to reignite his career and pursue further Olympic glory.
