by Alfonz Juck
Mutaz Barshim, photo by Diamond League
Mutaz Essa Barshim had his moment of zen at the 2020 World Championships in his home country. In front of 48,000 fans, Mutaz delivered on the world’s greatest stage, taking the gold in the high jump.
Now, Mutaz Essa Barshim, is like many of us, getting some food shopping in, and training. Qatar has stopped all events for 30 days and is not allowing flights into the country for fifteen days.
DOHA (QAT): High Jump World champion Mutaz Essa Barshim writes: “I have to stay home except for when I train or shop for groceries. For me it’s not that big of a difference, since I always stay at home. Of course it has affected my training – the plan is not going as it’s supposed to. We can’t access some of the facilities. And we have to cut the training sessions short. Luckily I am able to work with my coach. It’s a very strange situation; it’s the first time in my sport career to train without a target. I don’t know when my first competition will be, if there will be an Olympics or when the season will start. So it’s difficult to keep motivated with no target to work towards. But in times like this health is the top priority. I just hope everybody will stay safe and listen to the authorities and comply with the instructions and warnings in order to prevent the spread of the virus.” Informs World Athletics.
