On Tuesday, Italian high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi captured the European title, but his new championship record of 2.37 meters wasn't the only thing that stood out. His signature-styled beard also turned heads.
Tamberi, 32, sported a half-shaved beard during the competition. According to EuroSport, Tamberi has worn the unique facial hairstyle since 2011 as his "trademark."
After the competition, when Tamberi was presented with his gold medal during the awards ceremony, he stepped on the podium with his beard fully shaven.
Once Tamberi cleared the bar, he celebrated by taking off his left spike and dumping out a handful of springs.
The greatest showman in athletics! 🕺
— European Athletics (@EuroAthletics) June 11, 2024
Gianmarco Tamberi soars over a championship record of 2⃣.3⃣7⃣m at home in #Roma2024! 🇮🇹🥇🇮🇹🥇#IgniteTheFire pic.twitter.com/mzfNyUACum
"I knew I was in a superb shape and I proved it," Tamberi told the Associated Press. "I pretended to be injured and hid springs in my shoes. I think some people fell for it. I did great things. Now it's time for the Olympics."
Tamberi has been ranked as the No. 1 high jumper in Europe for 135 weeks. He will carry the Italian flag at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.