Mutaz Barshim’s bronze medal win at the World Athletics Championships is just another jewel in the crown of his illustrious career. His reign as the high jump king continues to inspire a generation of athletes to aim higher, jump farther, and defy gravity.
Despite narrowly missing out on the gold, Barshim's triumphant bronze medal victory set up a new record crowning him as the only athlete in high jump history to win 5 medals in world championships. Here are five reasons why Mutaz Barshim continues to reign supreme in the world of high jump:
Barshim's pursuit of excellence reached new heights as he clinched his 5th major championship medal. Each accomplishment, be it gold, silver, or bronze, adds to his legacy and solidifies his dominance in the sport, setting a new standard of excellence for high jumpers worldwide.
Barshim's inspiring leap of 2.43 meters in 2014 not only shattered records but also marked the highest jump of the century, and the second highest in humankind’s history. His ability to consistently challenge gravity's limits has been a hallmark of his career.
Barshim's momentous act of sharing an Olympic gold medal with his rival, Gianmarco Tamberi, showcased his true sportsmanlike spirit. Commenting on this, Barshim said, “After Gianmarco and I both sustained injuries, him in 2016 and me in 2018, along with everything we had been through to qualify for the Olympics, something inside me realised we deserved nothing less than gold.”
Barshim's journey has been punctuated by injuries that could have ended lesser athletes' careers. Nevertheless, his tenacity and unwavering determination have allowed him to overcome these setbacks, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to leaving a legacy in the realm of high jump.
For young aspiring Arab athletes, Mutaz is the epitome of hard work and dedication. “I’m currently at a level where I can’t get enough of one goal. When I retire, I want them to remember my name. I’ll have time to celebrate my achievements, when I hang up my boots,” says Mutaz in his inspiring three part series “Defying Gravity”.
The series, a TOD Original, reflects on the life-changing moments that have taken him from humble beginnings in Doha to one of the world’s most recognisable athletes.
Source and cover image credits: Press Release
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