Qatar’s high jump champion Mutaz Essa Barshim wowed home fans as he won‘What Gravity Challenge’ at the Katara Amphitheatre competing alongside top world stars scaling to his season’s best 2.31m.
The grand event was organised with the support from Qatar Olympic Committee and the Qatar Athletics Federation. Barshim held off a strong Korean Sanghyeok Woo on countback as he also jumped 2.31m, while American JuVaughn Harrison settled for 3rd with 2.28m.
Barshim bettered his previous season’s best set at the Yangtze Delta Athletics Diamond Gala in Suzhou, China, 12 days ago, by two centimeters.Speaking soon after celebrating the win, Barshim said, “To be honest, I am very happy. Today, the Gravity Challenge finally saw the light, after it was an idea on paper. I am very happy about winning the first edition in Doha. I thank all the sponsors and supporters.”
“I thank the fans who came here to witness the event and would like to present this victory to them. Our idea is that we will
continue to host this tournament. This is just the first stop,” he added. (TNN) page 9
