Tribune News Network
Doha
Fans worldwide will once again witness the world’s best high jumpers defy expectations at the second edition of the ‘What Gravity Challenge’, set to take place on Friday at the iconic Katara Amphitheatre.
The highly competitive high jump-only event is the brainchild of reigning three-time world champion and Olympic gold medallist Mutaz Barshim, who created a platform where top athletes can push their limits in front of a global audience.
Barshim, while speaking to the media on Thursday said he is focused on inspiring future generations.“This event started to honor and empower athletes, It’s about creating a movement, challenging limits, celebrating talents, and doing it in the heart of Qatar and beyond,” he said.
This year’s edition will feature top male stars including Olympic medalists Shelby McEwan, and Hamish Kerr, alongside the event’s founder Mutaz Barshim. And for the first time, the challenge will also spotlight the world’s top women athletes such as World No. 1 Yaroslava Mahuchikh, Eleanor Patterson, and Christina Honsel, marking a major milestone in the event’s evolution toward greater inclusivity and global representation.
The elite jumpers will battle it out for a $155,000 prize pool, with the winner taking home the unique trophy crafted by renowned Qatari artist Ahmed Al Bahrani, symbolizing both athletic excellence and cultural heritage.
Ukraine’s Mahuchikh, who holds the women’s high jump world record, expressed her excitement about competing in Doha. She praised the unique concept of “defying gravity” and described Qatar as a welcoming and inspiring host country.
“I’m in a strong physical and mental state, and I’m excited to begin my season here,” Mahuchikh said. “This competition offers a unique atmosphere and a platform to push the limits of what we can achieve.”
The elite jumpers will battle it out for a $155,000 prize pool, with the winner taking home the unique trophy crafted by renowned Qatari artist Ahmed al-Bahrani, symbolizing both athletic excellence and cultural heritage.
Qatar Athletics Federation President Mohammed Issa al-Fadala said the inaugural edition of the What Gravity Challenge was a resounding success and expressed confidence in an even more remarkable outcome this season at Katara.
The 2025 What Gravity Challenge is supported by Visit Qatar, Ooredoo, Puma, Cosette, Jetour, Bornan and in collaboration with Katara, Alkass, and Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel.
This event will be broadcast globally by Alkass, beIN SPORTS, World Athletics, and the Ukraine Public Broadcaster, ensuring that fans across continents can witness the competition.
For more details, visit https://whatgravitychallenge.com/index.html or book tickets at https://events.q-tickets.com/qatar/eventdetails/6257815596/what-gravity-challenge
List of participants
Men: Mutaz Barshim (Qatar), Juwon Harrison, Shelby McEwen (USA), Hamish Kerr (New Zealand), Brandon Stark (Australia), Jan Steffela (Czech Republic), Ryochi Akamatsu (Japan), Raymond Richards (Jamaica), Donald Thomas (Bahamas), Edgar Rivera (Mexico), Marco Fassinotti (Italy)
Women: Yaroslava Mahuchikh, Yuliia Levchenko (Ukraine), Kristina Gonsal, Imke Onnen (Germany), Eleanor Patterson (Australia), Charity Gavinagel (USA), Maria Zhodzik (Poland), Morgan Lake (Great Britain), Mikela Gruba (Czech Republic), Nadezhda Dubovitskaya (Kazakhstan).
