Mutaz
Barshim
Qatar
·
Athletics
Date of birth | June 24, 1990 |
|---|---|
Birthplace | Doha, Qatar |
Age | 36 |
Nationality | Qatar |
Career start | 2011 |
Discipline | High Jump |
Regarded as one of the greatest high jumpers of all time, Mutaz Barshim has a medal collection that makes him the envy of athletes around the world. It includes five world championship medals (including three golds), a gold and silver from the indoor world championship and four Olympic medals – the most cherished being the gold he won at the Tokyo Games in 2020.
Showing early promise
Barshim has always been into sports. He grew up in an extremely active family: his father was an athlete, and all his brothers practised sports regularly. As a child, his father used to take him to the local athletics club, and he loved it. At around 11 years old, he started going to training by himself. Focusing on the high jump, he soon started reaching heights he never thought possible… both figuratively and literally!
By the time he was 19, he had racked up a host of Junior Level titles, including four gold medals – one of which was at the World Championships – and earning the title of the 10th best Junior high jumper in history.
Dominating at world level
Barshim made the transition to elite level look seamless and in 2012 announced himself to the world as he claimed a silver medal at the London Games. One year later he landed silver at the World Championships in Moscow. It wouldn't be long before he was adding plenty of golds to his collection.
After claiming silver in 2016 in Rio, Barshim brought home the gold thanks to an imperious display at the 2017 World Championships in London. Two years later, in Doha, he once again triumphed, becoming the first man to defend the world high jump title successfully.
He also secured the biggest title of all in 2021, claiming gold in Tokyo and becoming one of the biggest talking points of the Games as he and Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi opted to share the top prize in the spirit of sporting camaraderie. He then went one further in Eugene, Oregon, in 2022, taking the first hat-trick of high jump world titles.
He's also had plenty of success in the IAAF Diamond League, with some of his most memorable wins coming in Shanghai and in front of his home fans in Doha. “Sport is everything for me,” says Barshim. “It’s my lifestyle, my job, my fun and my health. When I jump, I feel amazing, like I’m flying!”
In 2024, during an incredible competition at the Paris Games, Barshim walked away with a bronze medal, making him a four-time champion of the Games.
Away from track and field
Meticulous in his training and preparation for a competition, Barshim knows the importance of downtime and has several hobbies which help him relax. A lover of art, fashion and interior design, the Qatari athlete also makes time for one of his favourite hobbies – watching cartoons.
“I like to watch these kinds of things to get my mind off and make me calm,” he said. “It’s just to get me in a good mood.”
Barshim is a superstar at home in Qatar
© Diaa Amer/Red Bull Content Pool
Taking some time to relax
© Adam Klingeteg/Red Bull Content Pool
Barshim's work ethic and commitment to improving are renowned
© Akl Yazbeck/Red Bull Content Pool
Barshim set his PB and second highest jump in history in Brussels in 2014
© FLs/Red Bull Content Pool