The What Gravity Challenge in Doha, Qatar, brought together the world’s leading high jumpers to compete for a prize purse of $77,000. Qatar’s own Mutaz Barshim, a three-time Olympic medallist and reigning high jump world champion, not only competed but also played the role of an organiser for the event. Barshim expressed his excitement for the competition, stating that it felt like the Olympics to him. He thanked the Qatar Olympic Committee President for the opportunity to create a lasting legacy through the event.
Among the competitors at the What Gravity Challenge were high jump veterans such as Barshim’s friend Gianmarco Tamberi, Ukrainian Bohdan Bondarenko, and American JuVaughn Harrison. The younger generation of high jumpers was well represented by athletes like New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr, South Korea’s Sanghyeok Woo, and Puerto Rico’s Luis Castro Rivera. With athletes from around the world vying for victory, Barshim anticipated a tough competition leading up to the upcoming Paris Olympics.
The event was held at the Katara Amphithetre, providing spectators with the opportunity to witness top-notch high jump performances. Barshim, as the host and a competitor, expressed his hopes for a successful event and his desire to come out on top. The President of the Qatar Athletics Federation, Mohammed Issa Al Fadala, also highlighted the quality of the competition and encouraged spectators to enjoy the thrilling performances by the world’s best jumpers.
Despite the challenges of jetlag for some athletes, such as Kerr, the excitement and anticipation for the event were palpable. Competitors and spectators alike were eager to witness the fierce competition and potentially witness some surprises during the high jump challenge. The combination of experienced high jump veterans and up-and-coming talents set the stage for an exhilarating competition that showcased the best of the sport at the What Gravity Challenge in Doha, Qatar.
Overall, the What Gravity Challenge provided an exciting opportunity for high jumpers from around the world to showcase their skills and compete for a significant prize purse. With Barshim playing a dual role as competitor and organiser, the event demonstrated the passion and dedication of athletes in the sport of high jump. As athletes gear up for major competitions like the Paris Olympics, events like the What Gravity Challenge serve as important milestones in their training and preparation. The event served as a platform for athletes to inspire and challenge each other, creating a memorable experience for participants and spectators alike.
