Marcell Jacobs Follows Ferdinand Omanyala’s Blueprint in Bid to Revive Fast-Fading Sprints Career

Two-time Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs is set to reunite with Paolo Camossi, the coach who guided him to his historic victories in Tokyo, after a stint training under American Rana Reider.

The Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) confirmed the renewed partnership in a statement on Tuesday. "Together, they wrote memorable pages in Italian sports history," said FIDAL President Stefano Mei. "We have worked to map out a new path for them both."

Jacobs, 31, first began working with Camossi in 2015. Their collaboration produced a remarkable run of success, including Olympic gold in the 100m and 4x100m relay at the Tokyo 2021 Games. Under Camossi's guidance, Jacobs also secured a world indoor 60m title in 2022 and a European 100m championship that same year.

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The pair split in September 2023 when Jacobs moved to Florida to train with Rana Reider. This period yielded mixed results, including a European 100m title in 2024 but a disappointing fifth-place finish in the event at the Paris Olympics.

Following a challenging 2025 season marked by physical issues, a fifth-place finish in Paris, and limited competition, Jacobs has decided on a more measured approach for his return. He competed sparingly last year, participating in just one indoor and one outdoor meet, in addition to the 100m and 4x100m relay at the World Championships in Tokyo.

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport as per L’Equipe, Jacobs opened up about his recent struggles. "I had many doubts about my future; I didn't train for three months," he revealed. "But the break was beneficial. I didn't rush things, I listened to my mind and body, and after long consideration with my family, I decided to continue."

Looking ahead, the sprinter is prioritising his health and long-term goals. "I will not compete in any indoor races, but I will try to win a third consecutive European gold medal in the 100m," he stated.

"But again, no rushing. I need to be 100% physically." This deliberate return to a familiar training environment marks the beginning of a new cycle for Jacobs, with his sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Jacobs is the latest high-profile sprinter to return to their former coach following in the footsteps of Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala, who reunited with ex-tactician Duncan Ayiemba last October.

Omanyala had ditched Ayiemba in late 2023 after a seventh-place finish at that year’s World Championships in Budapest, Hungary and linked up with Geoffrey Kimani, but experienced mixed fortunes, failing to make it to the 100m final at both Paris 2024 Olympics and 2025 World Championships.

He is hoping that Ayiemba, the man who helped him become the star he is, can do his magic again, as he looks forward to the 2027 Worlds as well as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.