Toso, the first Friulian in the history of the World Cup: “What emotions in 1983 And now go Tamberi”

The high jumper from Udine talks about his debut in Helsinki 39 years ago «Jacobs? If the car starts we can see beautiful things ”

the interview

alberto bertolotto

The World Athletics Championships begin today in Eugene. Sinta Vissa, the only regional athlete at the start, is engaged in the 1,500 heats (tomorrow morning at 3.10). To observe the middle distance runner live – but not only – there will be an athlete from Udine capable of making history: Luca Toso. The former Italian high jump record holder is in the United States. Born in 1964, he was the first Friulian to take part in the world championship. He was in Helsinki, in 1983, at the first take of the event (he finished tenth). The policeman tells his world cup (two tokens) and talks about those at the gates: «Tamberi and Jacobs? Troubled season, but they are two phenomena: let’s expect everything ».

Toso, let’s go back to 39 years ago. What do you remember?

«I was the youngest of the Azzurri: 19 years old, juniors. However, I had skipped 2.26. They didn’t want to summon me, they thought I was going to burn. Bullshit. The president of FIDAL and the chief of police plead my case. I arrived three days before the race. It is a pity not to have been a freshman with the captains Giampaolo Urlando, hammer driver, and Sara Simeoni ».

It was another era.

“Yup. The village was very spartan, the care for food was different from the current one. I played the qualification in the rain. I earned the final, scheduled for the next day. My shoes were completely soaked. Fortunately my coach, Enzo Dal Forno, convinced me to bring two pairs to Finland ».

10th place with 2.26: were you satisfied?

«The medal was at 2.29. I could have hit it, but I was tired. I was not used to two such tests in 48 hours ».

Four years after participating in Rome: it was 1987.

«I was the standard bearer. Fabulous experience. However, I did not qualify for the final. The day before the elimination I was hit with a stomach flu. Pity”.

Today the Olympic champion Tamberi jumps for the qualification.

“I know him and dad well. Gimbo is not at the top, but the competition does not fly. Anything can happen. And then he exalts himself with the world on him ».

E Jacobs?

“I hope it amazes us. It is another phenomenon like Tamberi. If the car starts up and starts to turn we can see some good ones ». –

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