Could medal-winning Qatari high jumper raise bar again to take 4th world title?
“I’ve made history being on top of my game for the past decade, but I still thrive for more.” That was what Mutaz Essa Barshim told World Athletics before the Doha Diamond League opener in May, and there is no doubt that the Qatari athlete has already sealed his place among the pantheon of high jumpers. A chase for an unprecedented fourth successive world title ended in disappointment on Tuesday in Budapest however, as he had to settle for a bronze medal in what was an uncharacteristically poor performance. Although perhaps the warning signs were there when he failed with his first effort at 2.25 meters, a height he normally clears with ease, immediately giving the momentum to his competitors. He did clear 2.29m on his first attempt alongside Gianmarco Tamberi and JuVaughn Harrison and it looked as though it would be a three-way battle for the gold. All three sailed over 2.33m, and with a thrilling finale looking certain, all he had to do was hope for mistakes by his rivals to claim another gold. Unfortunately for Barshim, it was not to be.
