Barshim hints Paris 2024 could mark his final Olympic appearance

Mutaz Barshim

Qatar's high jump sensation, Mutaz Barshim, has suggested that the Paris 2024 Games could mark his final appearance in the Olympics. Speaking to an international media outlet, the current Olympic champion expressed his desire to leave a lasting legacy in his beloved event, aiming to solidify his position as the world's premier high jumper.

"I think Paris Olympics will be my last. Honestly, I've been saying this might be my final competitive season for the past few years, but here I am still going strong. However, I believe Paris will likely be my farewell," Barshim stated in a video reposted by the Qatar Athletics Federation.

Barshim first competed in the Olympics at the 2012 London Games, initially earning a bronze medal which was later upgraded to silver due to the disqualification of the second-place finisher, Russian athlete Ivan Ukhov, for doping. In the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Barshim secured another silver medal, clearing 2.36 meters, narrowly missing out on the top spot held by Canada's Derek Drouin.

His pinnacle Olympic achievement came at the Tokyo 2020 Games, where Barshim clinched a gold medal in a heartwarming moment, sharing it with his longtime friend, Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi. Both athletes cleared 2.37 meters without any failed attempts, opting to share the gold rather than continue with a jump-off.

Reflecting on this historic moment, Barshim remarked, "Sharing that medal meant a lot to me. It was a special moment in Olympic history that I am incredibly proud of, but it's unlikely to happen again."

Looking ahead to Paris, Barshim expressed anticipation for returning to the grand stage of the Olympics. "I'm excited about competing in Paris, in a big stadium with the crowd cheering. It will be a different atmosphere, and having the crowd behind you in the Olympic Stadium will be amazing," he said.

Barshim, holder of both indoor and outdoor Asian records with jumps of 2.43 meters and 2.41 meters respectively, emphasized his ambition to leave a lasting impact in high jump, potentially adding another Olympic medal to his illustrious career.

"I want to build a legacy. When I retire, I want to look back and say, 'I've achieved everything possible.' Adding another medal in Paris will further solidify my position and set a high benchmark for future high jumpers. I aspire for my name to be synonymous with greatness in the sport," Barshim concluded.

Barshim is set to compete in the high jump qualifying round on August 7, followed by the final on August 10 at the iconic Stade de France.

 

 

Source: The Peninsula Qatar