The amazing victory by Mutaz Barshim in Doha was a made for global TV moment. The tension, the drama and the athleticism can not be exaggerated. The 48,000 fans were seeing two hours of the finest athletics in any championships. I wondered as Mutaz competed in Doha, how his legs would stand up. 2.19m, 2.24m, 2.27m, 2.30m, were cleared with precision and real estate to spare.
Mutaz Barshim, photo by PhotoRun.net
It was at 2.33m that we saw that Mutaz Barshim was back. He took three attempts, and all 48,000 fans were wishing for his success, as he cleared on attempt 3. The first attempts at 2.35m and then, 2.37m, sealed the gold medal, in front of the home crowd.
Now we see, per Swedish athletic manager Daniel Wessfeldt, that Mutaz is keeping his health a top priority. No indoors, a maybe on Nanjing makes sense.
We look forward to seeing the king in 2020.
Barshim no indoors, maybe Nanjing
MALMO (SWE): High jump World champion Mutaz Essa Barshim is not planning to compete in the coming indoor season. But left open the possibility to jump at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing. After a nice vacation he is now back in full training. “The Olympic Games in Tokyo is now my main target. This year was very special and challenging for me. After my injury last summer I had a successful surgery and the best possible rehab. Still it was not easy for me to be ready for the World Championships in Doha. To be able to do something big and succeed when your home country is the host for the World Championship is something very special. It was total happiness when I captured the gold in front of my home crowd. It has been a long and very special year for me and I have now together with my coach decided to not do any indoor season but still leave the door open for one competition – the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing. That final decision I will take in February. I feel great and totally healthy and really looking forward for the 2020 season. My first outdoor competition will be Doha Diamond League April 17.” said Barshim in a statement send by his agent Daniel Wessfeldt.
