SAINT-DENIS: Tokyo 2020 gold winners Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy and Mutaz Barshim of Qatar made it to the men's high jump final at the Paris Games in an eventful qualifying on Wednesday.
Tamberi, who was only released from hospital with kidney stones a few days ago, failed his three attempts at 2.27 metres, but still finished among the top 12 to qualify for Saturday's final.
"I knew that I was qualified, but I am not really happy with my jumps. I was trying to push myself to jump 2.27 to find some confidence because I know in the last couple of days I lost a lot of positive vibes, but today wasn't the day," the Italian said.
On his physical condition after receiving treatment for kidney stones, he said: "I feel much better. Yesterday was my first day without a temperature and I am getting my confidence back.
"Being ill was very difficult. I struggled a lot mentally. I was very scared to lose this chance after I worked so hard. I am not hiding, I cried a lot because I didn't want to lose my Olympic moment, but I am here now and the past is the past." Barshim, meanwhile, looked to have suffered a calf injury while running for his first attempt at 2.27m, but managed a clear jump the second time.
Barshim stayed down for a while and Tamberi immediately ran to check on him. They shared gold in Tokyo, in a rare instance in Olympic history, after a tie between both of them as they cleared 2.37m.
Shelby McEwen was the best jumper in the heats after he cleared 2.27m with no misses.