Marcell Jacobs Leaves US Base as Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson and Co Receive Fresh Warning

Three years after his Olympic triumphs, Marcell Jacobs is back. The 2020 Olympic 100m champion returned to Rome on Wednesday, establishing his base in the city until the end of the summer.

It was in the Italian capital, between 2018 and 2023, that he built the foundation for all his greatest achievements before a brief stint in Florida.

Now, the 29-year-old police officer is preparing for his next chapter. Instead of his former home on Fleming Hill, which has been sold, he is staying at the nearby "Acquacetosa" Olympic Preparation Centre. With his room, the dining hall, the track, and the gym all in close proximity, everything he needs is within reach.

When asked about his return to the city, Jacobs expressed a sense of calm. "It brings me peace of mind. Many people were happy to see me back," he told Gazzetta.

"You don't forget certain feelings. And here, I have the right conditions to work at my best. Although they say the track at Paolo Rosi is quite worn, we'll also use the newly resurfaced one at Fiamme Azzurre in Casal del Marmo."

A key part of this return is his reunion with coach Paolo Camossi, who is training him again after more than two years. "He came to Jacksonville three times and once to Miami, where I moved with my family, for periods of about ten days each," Jacobs explained.

"We quickly found the right feeling again. No one knows me better, and he immediately addressed what was most needed."

So, what did they work on? "I was out for four months," Jacobs noted. "We started again gradually, to rediscover the fluid action that defines my running. We did a lot of technical work on foot placement and leg turnover, then moved to high intensity. I feel good, although when I push hard, I still tend to rely too much on raw power. I need to compete."

Physically, he confirmed he is in good shape, thanks in part to Alessandro Monte, a young physiotherapist and osteopath who has been following him closely for several months.

"He's here to manage my muscles, assist during sessions, and intervene if necessary," Jacobs said. His long-time physio, Alberto Marcellini, who lives in Rome, will also be able to see him more frequently.

Jacobs confirmed his season debut will be on May 18 in Savona, where he will run two sprints. "Then, on June 4th, I'll be at the Golden Gala with Noah Lyles and many other top athletes," he added. "After that, we'll see."

His schedule leading up to the European Championships in Rome is flexible. "We will evaluate based on the results of the first few races," he stated. "Before the Europeans, I might run another four or five races."

Looking further ahead, his sights remain firmly set on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. "Otherwise, I wouldn't be here," he affirmed.

Regarding the recent World Relays, Jacobs commented on the Italian team's performance. "The Azzurri did well, but the men's 4x100 team struggled a bit. We need to find strong alternatives to the main runners. Ali? I thought he looked a bit heavy, but he has the potential to be in another league."

While based in Rome, Jacobs will also spend time in Desenzano to oversee his Academy and Center and to train. His wife, Nicole, will join him in August, while their children will stay in the US with their grandmother.

The sprinter also spoke about his new life in Miami. "It was a dream of ours; staying in Jacksonville no longer made sense," he revealed.

"We ended our lease and bought a house in Sunset, a residential area five minutes from the schools, 20 from the beach, and 10 from the University of Miami campus, where I train. The football players there are superstars. The main stadium holds 62,000 people."