Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs officially chose Turku, Finland, an ancient European city steeped in history, to kick off his 2025 outdoor season. The European 100m and Tokyo Olympic 100m champion will race at the Nurmi Games on June 17. Moreover, this will be his first competitive appearance since an injury-shortened indoor season.
However, Jacobs’ decision to start in Turku is strategic, as it offers a familiar track where he posted a season-best of 9.92 seconds last year, signalling a strong return to form.
The Olympic champion’s 2025 campaign began with a single indoor race in Boston this February but was quickly halted by injury. Now fully recovered, Marcell Jacobs is eager to build momentum on the outdoor circuit.
After Turku, Marcell Jacobs plans to compete at the Roma Sprints festival on June 20. Later, he will join the Italian 4x100m relay team at the European Athletics Team Championships in Madrid. Scheduled from June 27 to 29.
The Azzurri will defend their 2023 title, and Jacobs’ participation is pivotal to their success.
Choosing Turku as his season opener reflects the Olympic champion’s focus on measured preparation and peak performance. The city, known as Finland’s oldest, has become a favoured venue for Marcell Jacobs. Thus, he credits the timing and race format for fitting perfectly into his comeback plan.
Meanwhile, his last year’s 9.92-second run, which is his fastest 100m outside the Olympics, underscores his elite sprinting capabilities.
Jacobs’ carefully curated schedule, including key European meets and the crucial relay event in Madrid, demonstrates his commitment to defending his legacy and preparing for the World Championships later this year.
His return in an ancient European city not only symbolises a fresh start but also sets the tone for a thrilling season ahead, with high stakes and the promise of more historic performances.
