The Katara Amphitheatre in Doha, Qatar is gearing up to host 12 of the world’s top high jumpers in the upcoming What Gravity Challenge event. The brainchild of Mutaz Barshim, a three-time world champion and Olympic gold medallist, this unique event will take place a day before the Diamond League Meeting. The event will showcase some of the best high jumpers in the world, including Barshim himself, Italian Gianmarco Tamberi, Ukrainian Bohdan Bondarenko, New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr and USA’s Juvaughn Harrison, among others.
Barshim, who holds the second-best mark in high jump history, is excited to bring this event to life with the support of Qatar Olympic Committee President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani. The What Gravity Challenge promises to be a ‘gravity-defying’ show, with a prize pool of $77,000 up for grabs for the winners. The event will also see the creation of a unique trophy crafted by Qatari artist Ahmed Al Bahrani for the top jumper. Barshim expressed his pride in presenting this event as a legacy for his country, Qatar, showcasing top-level athleticism and competition.
In addition to the What Gravity Challenge, Doha will also host the Doha Diamond League Meeting at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium at the Qatar Sports Club. This event will feature 154 athletes competing in under 14 Diamond Disciplines, with athletes from around the world looking to shine on the track and field. Five Qatari athletes will be participating in various events, including Ismail Doudai Abakar, Abdul Rahman Saeed, Ammar Ismail Ibrahim, Ashraf Osman, and Moaaz Mohamed Ibrahim, adding a local flavor to the international competition.
The lineup for the What Gravity Challenge includes some of the top names in the high jumping world, with athletes like Brandon Starc, Naoto Tobe, Andri Protsenko, and Zhen Wang set to compete alongside Barshim and others. The competitive nature of the event promises a thrilling showdown as these athletes push themselves to clear the bar at the picturesque Katara Amphitheatre. Fans can expect to witness some incredible feats of athleticism and skill as these high jumpers go head-to-head in a battle of heights.
The support of the Qatar Athletics Federation and Qatar Olympic Committee has been instrumental in bringing the What Gravity Challenge to life, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents on the global stage. The event underscores Qatar’s commitment to promoting and supporting sports at all levels, from grassroots to elite competitions. By hosting events like the What Gravity Challenge and the Doha Diamond League Meeting, Qatar aims to establish itself as a premier destination for athletics and a hub for top-tier sporting events in the region.
As the stage is set for the What Gravity Challenge and the Doha Diamond League Meeting, athletes and fans alike are eagerly anticipating the thrilling competitions that lie ahead. With top high jumpers from around the world set to compete in the picturesque setting of the Katara Amphitheatre, and track and field athletes gearing up for the Doha Meeting at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha is poised to showcase the best of athletics on the global stage. The events promise to deliver excitement, drama, and world-class competition, making them a must-watch for sports fans everywhere.
