Setting the bar

From an Asian Games volunteer assisting the high jumpers, to becoming an Asian, world and Olympic champion himself, Mutaz Barshim said his strong determination and belief in himself have made him what he is today.

On Wednesday night, the 32-year-old three-time world champion lit up the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium by clinching the gold medal in the men's high jump competition with a height of 2.35 meters.

Barshim is arguably one of the biggest track and field names at the Games. His personal best of 2.43m from the 2014 Asiad is the second-highest jump of all time, behind Cuban great Javier Sotomayor's world record of 2.45, set in 1993.

"When I am happy, I do high jump. When I am sad, I do high jump. When I am angry, I do high jump. It's just a way to express myself," said the Qatari.

"When I was young, I was a volunteer at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha. I assisted the high jumpers there and I thought, 'I really want to win that myself'."

The 1.92-meter-tall jumper is known for his long legs, slender physique and unconventional jumping technique. Although he employs the Fosbury Flop, arching backwards over the bar, he takes off with his left foot, which is highly distinctive.

Apart from interest, talent, and technique, Barshim also possesses incredible determination.

In 2019, he retained world championship gold, despite suffering a serious ankle injury in 2017 and undergoing surgery in 2018.

Barshim found a doctor, who had been operating on sports injuries for 30-40 years, and he was told, "you cannot fly". He replied, "I don't care."

It took Barshim a little bit more than a year before he could do anything — take some steps, hop or jog — and with so much pain, he was on heavy painkillers.

Before the surgery he used to enjoy training, but when he returned, Barshim admits he really struggled with it before eventually rediscovering his motivation.

"I decided I would never doubt myself again. I'd say to everyone, 'if you love something, do everything you can and go for it'. It may seem impossible, but if you truly believe in yourself, it's worth it," he said.

Barshim always endeavors to see the positives in competition — especially his bronze medal at this year's world championships, when many expected him to win gold.

He said with a bright smile on his face, "What disappointment? What are you talking about? I made history, man. I'm the only high jumper to win five world championship medals. It was amazing."

"It's like this: we are very greedy as athletes, so we always want to do more and more and more. That's the nature of it, and I love it, so you need to go and push yourself to the limit."

Barshim says that he currently has no plan in place for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. "I need a good vacation now," he said, "and then we'll see what happens next."