Sporting the Speedmaster Moonwatch, Olympics high-jump joint gold medallist Gianmarco Tamberi is no stranger to competition, thanks to his father, a finalist in the 1980 Moscow Games.
In a Q&A ahead of the Doha Diamond League, the Italian, who became globally famous after the Tokyo Olympics 2020 after sharing the gold medal alongside Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim, talks about being an Omega brand ambassador, and how the luxurious brand has driven his goals as an athlete.
Q: When did you become associated with the Omega brand officially as an ambassador (year)?
A: My partnership with Omega began this year in January. Of course, I’ve known the brand much longer, thanks to our shared connection with the Diamond League and the Olympic Games. With so much sport coming up this year, it felt like a good time to join together and start something special.
Q. How do you see your personal and professional values aligning with that of the Omega brand?
A: I really feel like I have a lot in common with Omega. The first value is hard work. We both pay great attention to the smallest details, to ensure the big goals can be reached. Omega pushes itself every day to do better – whether it’s their materials, technology or precision. Likewise, I’m a super dedicated person when it comes to athletics. I try and look for any chance to push myself further.
Q: Can you share your highest career point which created an impact for you even at a personal level?
A: The obvious highlight is my gold medal at Tokyo 2020. Aside from the incredible feeling of victory, that moment was particularly special because I got to share it with another great competitor. Together with Mutaz, we created one of the Olympic Games most memorable events, and I feel really proud about that. There was such a unique energy and spirit on that day.
Q Which is your favourite Omega watch and why?
A: I have to say the Seamaster Aqua Terra Tokyo 2020 Limited Edition. It’s a beautiful watch to look at and I love the simple and classic style. Most of all, it’s a reminder of my achievements last year. It’s a watch that will always remind me of winning gold.
Q: What has been your earliest memory of Omega before you even became a brand ambassador for them?
A: As you know, my dad was also a high jumper, and he competed at several events throughout his career, including the Olympic Games Moscow 1980. When I was growing up, athletics was therefore a natural part of my life, and the Omega name was never far. It’s a brand that has always been around me, and it was clear from an early age that this was a company that represented excellence.
Q: Being a sports person, you must also already be aware of their association with timekeeping tradition for great sports events such as the Olympics – how did you feel being approached by the brand to be one of their spokespersons knowing this. Can you tell us a little about their timekeeping precision and how they achieved it?
A: It’s a huge honour to be partnering with Omega. They have such high standards in everything they do, so I feel proud that they’ve shown such faith in me. I’m still learning so much about the brand’s heritage, not only in watchmaking, but also in sports timekeeping. When I’m performing in High Jump, there are always other track-and-field events happening around me at the same time. And Omega equipment is everywhere. You see the photofinish cameras, the scoreboards, and the starting pistols. What’s clear is that they really have every second covered, and nothing will ever be missed.
Q: Besides your own favourite Omega watch, if you had to gift one to your family or friends, which one would you choose and why?
A: I think everyone should have a Speedmaster Moonwatch. To me, that’s the most iconic Omega watch, and it’s one I would say is timeless. You can wear it for years and the design will always remain in style. Of course, it was also worn on the moon, so it’s a good reminder that anything is possible in life.
