Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim reacts after competing in the men’s high jump final. Pictures: AFP
Doha: Qatar hero Mutaz Barshim ended his highly-successful Olympic career with a bronze medal, leaping to his season’s best of 2.34m in the high jump final at Stade de France yesterday.
New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr edged America’s McEwen Shelby in a thrilling jump-off to secure gold medal after both failed to go beyond the 2.36m mark, and could not be separated on countback of missed jumps.
For Barshim, it was his record fourth Olympic medal in the men’s high jump, having won silver medals at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games besides a famous gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.
He got off to a blazing start clearing 2.22m, 2.27m, 2.31m and 2.34m in his first attempts before failing twice to clear 2.36m. He then raised the bar at 2.38m for his last attempt but failed again to settle for a bronze after defeating Italy’s Stefano Sottile on countback.
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani congratulated Barshim on the historic feat.
“I congratulate our Olympic champion Mutaz Barshim on winning the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, to be added to the gold and two silver medals in his Olympic career and other great achievements in international sports competitions. With these successes, he has become an honourable and inspiring sports model for generations in Qatar, who will contribute to raising the name of their country high in the fields of sports,” H H the Amir posted on X.
Qatar Olympic Committee President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani also praised Barshim for a bronze medal.
“Congratulations to the people of Qatar on the victory of your legendary champion. For your country, you have an honourable performance and immortal achievements,” he commented on X.
Qatar great targets more accolades
The 33-year-old, who last month had announced Paris will be his last Olympics, was hoping to make history by becoming the first high jumper to win two Olympic gold medals. He already has an unprecedented three straight world titles to his name.
The Qatar great, however, was satisfied with a bronze medal, saying it was an uphill task to be on the podium for four consecutive Olympic Games.
“We are talking about 12 years on the podium, it’s not an easy task,” said Barshim, who has braved many injuries during his career.
“Alhamdulilah, it was my dream to become an Olympian and [now] I am the Olympic athlete with the most high jump medals,” he said before thanking his fans.
“You guys have never disappointed with your support and cheering, this medal is for you, not for me, this medal is for all those who supported me, this medal is for all the fans of Mutaz Barshim.”
On his four medals, he commented: “The legacy I want to leave behind. I have so much to give, maybe now it’s my time to give to the next generation and hopefully you’ll see the next champion.”
Barshim confirmed he would continue competing in the forthcoming events after his Olympic swansong.
“I have announced that this was the last Olympic tournament but not the last championship. There are championships the next year, there is a World Indoor Championships in China, outside there is Japan, there is the Asian Games, so possibly yes.”
He added he would be ready to share his experience with youngsters after his retirement.
“It does not matter where I am, or about positions. I will share my experience in the right capacity, either as a coach, administrative, consultancy, whatever it may be,” he said.
Medals delight Kerr and McEwen
In the jump-off, both Kerr and Shelby failed to clear the heights of 2.38m and 2.36m before the New Zealand athlete sealed the title on 2.34m.
“High jump’s always a rollercoaster, there’s always guys who will miss and then clear, and then miss,” Kerr said.
“The big thing that we’ve been working on personally, and me and my team, is it’s not over until it’s over.
“In the past, I probably got into the habit of watching those guys a little bit, whereas now I wouldn’t even know what’s going on, I just focus on myself.”
McEwen said it felt “amazing” to claim a silver medal.
“It’s just a blessing and honour to be able to be here completely healthy and get our first Olympic medal (in this event) in a long time,” the American said.
“I feed off the crowd, and I jumped my way to a personal best. No better than that.”
Meanwhile, it was heartbreak for joint Tokyo Olympics champion Gianmarco Tamberi, who was taken to hospital hours before the final.
The Italian, who famously shared gold medal with Barshim at the Tokyo Olympics, clearly looked in discomfort as he failed to clear 2.27m after scaling 2.22m in his final attempt.
“10 hours have passed and the renal colic still hasn’t gone away,” Tamberi posted on Instagram ahead of the final yesterday. “The pain I have felt since this morning, however strong, is nothing compared to what I am feeling inside.”
