Marcell Jacobs on 2023 World Athletics Championships: "I've had a lot of doubts"

Will Marcell Jacobs be at his very best at the 2023 World Athletics Championships after his recent injury struggles?

Since the Italian won track athletics gold in the Olympic men's 100m final at Tokyo 2020 in 2021, he has suffered from inconsistent form and withdrawn from competitions citing fitness issues. That has left the 28-year-old adrift of his rivals in the 100m.

Speaking at a press conference in Budapest, Hungary, on Thursday (17 August), Jacobs acknowledged the doubts over his form, saying he had also expressed those thoughts himself.

"Of course it’s not an easy answer," he said. "I have faced many challenges during the last two years. I have worked very hard to be in good shape for these World Championships.

"Maybe I’ve had too many injuries over the last two years but I have overcome my challenges. It hasn’t been an easy season for me, I have had a lot of doubts, I have had a lot of worries."

Marcell Jacobs would prefer favourite tag

Jacobs has spoken openly about having to deal with the pressure of being the Olympic champion.

The Texas-born sprinter seems to be a love-hate relationship with that status, however.

Asked if he would prefer to be considered the favourite in Budapest after his difficult seasons, instead of being looked at as an underdog, the Italian took a moment to consider the question before letting out a laugh.

"I’m the reigning Olympic champion. I know the eyes are focused on me and watching me so it’s a heavy burden," he said.

"[But] considering the fact I have had quite a roller-coaster season with lots of difficulties and I know that everybody talks about what I can do in these World Championships, I would prefer to be the favourite.

"That means people have seen what I have done, that is a plus because that adds value to what I have achieved."

Last honour missing for Marcell Jacobs

Jacobs is the reigning European and Olympic champion over 100m, meaning the World Championships is the last thing missing from his honours list.

That's a fact not lost on the Italian.

"I am in good shape for these Championships, and I am focused on what I need to do. I had to really work hard, remain focused on this World Championships because this is the only medal I am still missing in my collection so I would like to add it."

However, after his recent struggles, Jacobs avoided giving a flat-out rating on how he feels ahead of Budapest 23.

"I don’t want to rate myself on a one to ten scale but my training is going very well and I am progressing.

"I want to feel the adrenaline that makes me ready to fight (for the title)."