Marcell Jacobs sounds Olympic title defense warning with fastest time since Tokyo 2021

Defending Olympic 100m champion Marcell Jacobs is getting into his best shape at the right time ahead of Paris after clocking his fastest time in three years at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland.

The Italian track star first stormed to a Season's Best (SB) of 9.99s in his qualifying heat, then lowered it to a blistering 9.92s in the final, thus inspiring his countryman Chituru Ali to a second-place finish in a massive Personal Best (PB) of 9.96s as Andre de Grasse also clocked an SB of 10.00s for third.

It's Jacobs fastest time since winning the Olympic title in Tokyo, which shows he's peaking at the right time and will be ready to defend his gold medal in Paris.

With lingering injuries through the years, Jacobs seems to have finally overcome them, showing his consistency this season, highlighted by winning the European 100m title and his new SB achievement is a testament to the fact that he's truly back.

The 29-year-old will aim to stay fit and be in better shape for Paris as he guns to make Italian history by becoming a two-time Olympic champion.