Mutaz Barshim, Qatar’s high jump superstar, had a double delight at the Katara Amphitheatre in Doha, as his brainchild, the What Gravity Challenge, finally came to fruition. Barshim entertained the home fans by clearing 2.31m, beating his previous season’s best by two centimeters. The event, which showcased elite athletes, was a success with Barshim thanking all the sponsors and supporters for making it possible.
Barshim expressed his happiness about the event finally becoming a reality after being just an idea on paper for many years. He dedicated his victory to the fans who came to witness the event and announced that this was just the first stop, indicating that the Gravity Challenge will continue to be hosted in the future. The unique award, designed by local artist Ahmed Al Bahrani, and a prize of $15,000 were presented to Barshim by the Second Vice President of Qatar Olympic Committee, Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari.
In the competition, Barshim cleared 2.28 and 2.31 in his first attempts but failed to go beyond the 2.33 mark in all three attempts. South Korea’s Sanghyeok Woo and USA’s JuVaughn Harrison also fell short of clearing the same height. New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr secured a fourth-place finish with a jump of 2.25 meters, while Donald Thomas of the Bahamas finished fifth with a season’s best of 2.21 meters.
Puerto Rican Luis Castro Rivera and Italy’s Marco Fassinotti tied for sixth place with a jump of 2.21 meters each. Former world champion Bohdan Bondarenko, Andrii Protsenko, and Japan’s Naoto Tobe cleared 2.17 meters. The event was completed with jumps by China’s Zhen Wang at 2.13 meters and Australia’s Brandon Starc. The Qatar Athletics Federation President Mohammed Issa Al Fadala posed with the athletes who finished from fourth to 12th positions.
The event, which was organized with the support of the Qatar Olympic Committee and the Qatar Athletics Federation, was a huge success and showcased top-quality action among elite athletes. Barshim’s win and the overall competition were a testament to the high level of talent that was on display at the Katara Amphitheatre. The Gravity Challenge is set to become a regular event in the sports calendar, bringing together top athletes from around the world for high jump action at its finest.
