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.

He failed at his first two attempts when the bar was raised to 2.36m while Tamberi cleared with his first, and Harrison with his second. His third attempt was lacklustre and his glory laden six-year reign at major outdoor championships came to an end as Tamberi, his great friend and rival, secured his first world title.
A record-extending fourth world crown proved to be one step too far, yet there is no doubting that the 32-year-old has been a beacon of hope for not only Qatari athletes, but also the entire Gulf region, for what he has achieved in the sport.