It’s seems like an eternity since we last saw Mutaz Barshim fly. But the High-jump world champion is back at it, clearing heights, most recently at the London Diamond League as he took 2^nd with a 2.27m High Jump. We caught up with Barshim after touching down – and there was plenty to talk about.

Not only did Barshim get back to jumping at the London Diamond League, but the High-jump world champion is back on track to defying gravity. Another achievement, which was business as usual for Mutaz Barshim.

“London is definitely an indicator for me. I haven’t competed in a year, so to come back to the Diamond League and jump at a world top level after this all this time was not an easy task. but we needed it to see where I am now, and how my body would react to full force jumps.” says Mutaz Barshim.

Qatar’s track and field superstar has been on his road to recovery for almost a year now. This meant a lot of time for Barshim to adapt and change his approach to training. At the same time, rest and recovery were just as important as jumping higher.

“Since the injury, my routine changed a lot. I had to be very careful with training. Listening to my body and never overloading. More recovery sessions too, that included massage and physiotherapy.”,

Grounded by his injury, there was plenty for Barshim to miss about the competitive lifestyle. But the tough times served as great motivation for Barshim. The big jumps were just one aspect, there was much more to look forward to.

“I miss everything about the competition. The nights before when I had to prepare my mind. I miss stepping on to the track and hearing the crowd scream my name. I miss that fight, the show, that flying moment. and of course, the performance.”, explains Barshim.

So what’s next for Mutaz Barshim? It’s none other than the 2019 IAAF world championship of course! Come September Barshim will be looking to defend his prestigious title in his own backyard – Doha.

“I am really looking forward to compete at HOME! So excited about it, knowing that my family and friends will be there at the stadium to have my back. I want to be ready to fight and defend my title.”, says Barshim.

Source: Press release

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar

Binu Cherian

Start a discussion