Despite the absence of local idol Marcell Jacobs due to injury earlier this week, the Florence track and field meet, which is the third leg of the Diamond League, will feature an exciting 100-meter race headlined by Fred Kerley.
The US world champion will face two outstanding compatriots, Marvin Bracy and Trayvon Bromell, who placed second and third, respectively, at last year’s World Championships in Eugene. Their presence adds luster to the 100-meter competition, although for some it has been a disappointment not to be able to witness the expected showdown between Fred Kerley and Italian Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs.
The duel between Kerley and Jacobs was scheduled to take place first last Sunday in Rabat and then in Florence, but unfortunately Jacobs’ back injury has thwarted both encounters. Since Jacobs beat Kerley in the Olympic final in Tokyo in August 2021 with a time of 9.80 to 9.84, the two have not met again.
Jacobs’ injury raises questions about his chances for this season after a 2022 marked by muscle problems that kept him out of the World Championships in Eugene. Jacobs began his indoor season this year, but his results have been disappointing. His return to competition could happen in Paris on June 9, although everything will depend on his physical evolution.
Fred Kerley, who joked last week about Jacobs’ absence in Rabat, took a more serious tone in Italy and expressed his desire for Jacobs to return to 100% competition.
In addition to Kerley, other notable athletes in the 100m race in Florence include South Africa’s Akani Simbine, who placed second in Rabat with a time of 9.99, and Marvin Bracy, the world runner-up, who was called up as Jacobs’ replacement. Italian fans will have to make do with Samuele Ceccarelli in Jacobs’ absence.
All in all, the Florence track and field meet will feature an exciting 100-meter race headlined by Fred Kerley and featuring other top international athletes. Although a showdown between Kerley and Jacobs was expected, the Italian Olympic champion’s injury has put that duel on hold.