Barshim claims third successive world high jump gold

Mutaz Essa Barshim

Qatar's Mutaz Barshim won an unprecedented third successive world high jump gold in style on Monday as he cleared a world-leading 2.37 metres with ease as all his rivals struggled to get close

Barshim, who famously shared Olympic gold with Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi last year, jumped beautifully all night to go well beyond his own season's best of 2.30m.

The title was just about secure after he had cleared 2.35m but he then eased over 2.37m looking almost in slow motion.

With the gold medal then in the bag he had one attempt at a championship record 2.42m but failed.

"The target for me for today was gold medal, if even the world record is the only thing I still miss," said Barshim, whose best of 2.43m is second only to Javier Sotomayor's 2.45m set in 1993.

"Three worlds golds in a row is something that has never have been done before. I feel like I have a name in our sport, but I have been never felt like the greatest one in the field," added Barshim, who also has two Olympic silvers and a world silver to his name.

REUTERS