The chronicles of Jimmy Jump – the famous pitch invader
Jaume Marquet i Cot or popularly known as Jimmy Jump, is a famous pitch invader from Spain. Jump was born on 14th of March, 1976. Jimmy is a Catalunya resident and works as a real estate agent for the biggest part of the year. However, his adventurous
side takes over when Jimmy goes on a rampage invading pitches across the world. Whether it is football, Rugby or even Formula One; no sport is safe from the wrath of Jimmy Jump.
Jimmy Jump has been trying out these stunts for more than a decade but it is as early as 2004 when he achieved stardom.
Football
Jimmy made his first televised appearance on July 4th, 2004 when he invaded the pitch during the EURO 2004 final that was being played between Greece and Portugal. Jimmy stormed on to the pitch waving a Barcelona flag that he threw at Portuguese
skipper Luis Figo. Figo had played for FC Barcelona for five years before swapping jerseys with perennial enemies Real Madrid.
Jimmy’s other famous pitch invasion was during the UEFA Champions League semi final that was being played between Villarreal and Arsenal FC. Jump threw a Barcelona jersey at Thierry Henry with number 14 printed on it. Interestingly, Henry moved to Barcelona
the very next year and wore the number 14 on his back. Poor jimmy was taken in to custody following the stunt and slapped with a hefty 60,000 Euro fine.
Jimmy Jump’s most famous pitch invasion has to be his appearance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup final. Moments before the kick off, the Catalan took to the pitch with a Barretina (a traditional red hat) in his hands. Jimmy tried to place the hat on the top of
the World Cup in comical fashion before security guards took him down. Although Jimmy couldn’t pull off the stunt, his antics left the stadium roaring with laughter.
Jimmy’s other football intrusions include appearances at the 2007 UEFA Champions League final, El Classico in 2005 and a further appearance at a Barcelona fixture.
Formula One
Jimmy made a famous appearance at the 2004 Spanish Grand Prix when he started running through the starting lane during the warm up lap. Jump ran more than a hundred meters before security guards outnumbered the Catalan and tackled him to the ground.
Basketball
Jimmy made his signature appearance during a basketball match that was being played between Memphis Grizzlies and FC Barcelona Bàsquet. Jimmy tried to confront Pau Gasol in comical fashion before the security got to him with crunching tackles.
Rugby
Jimmy expanded his portfolio yet again with an appearance at the 2007 Rugby world Cup final. South Africa and England were the teams playing. Security got better of the stuntman for his own good before he could get tackled by bulky rugby professionals.
Tennis
Jimmy graced the sport of Tennis during the French Open final of 2009. Roger Federer and Robert Soderling were head to head when Jimmy stormed on to the court and even managed to place a Barretina on Federer’s head. No prize for guessing as Jimmy was tackled
yet again by the security guards.
Eurovision Song Contest
Jimmy’s most hilarious appearance has to be his intrusion of Eurovision Song Contest final in Norway. The final was going on smoothly and Danish Diges were delivering a perfect performance when Jimmy decided to make his move. He took to the stage and started
acting out with the Danish performers. Security officers were late in reacting as they initially thought Jimmy was a part of the act. The Norwegian authorities fined him 15,000 Norwegian kroner for his antics.
Interestingly, the fine was paid by a Norwegian businessman Morgen Klein, a huge fan of Jimmy’s pitch invasions. Morgen believes Jimmy just brings joy to the people, “I think Jimmy made a good appearance. It was fun to watch and I want to give some of it
back. What he does is basically innocent. I don't see anything wrong with it”
With a huge fan following worldwide, Jimmy has become a star and fans wait in anticipation for his next surprise appearance.
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