Barshim wins ‘What Gravity Challenge’ with season’s best show
Qatar’s triple world champion and Olympic high jump gold medallist Mutaz Essa Barshim put up a spectacular show to clinch the ‘What Gravity Challenge’ title at the Katara Amphitheatre on Thursday.
Competing against some of the world’s best high jumpers, he cleared 2.31M to clinch the title on countback. South Korea’s Sanghyeok Woo, who also cleared 2.31M, took silver while American JuVaughn Harrison (2.28M) was third.
The event, conceptualized and brought to life by Barshim with the support of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Qatar Athletics Federation, proved to be a huge draw.
“To be honest, I’m very happy. Today, the Gravity Challenge finally saw the light of day, after it was an idea on paper. I’m very happy about winning the event’s first edition in Doha. I thank all the sponsors and supporters. I thank the fans who came here to witness the event and present this victory to them. Our idea is that we’ll continue to host this tournament. This is just the first stop,” he said.
Barshim received the winner’s trophy, designed by local artist Ahmed Al Bahrani, along with a cash prize of $15,000 from Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Second Vice-President of the Qatar Olympic Committee.
The Qatari jumper cleared 2.28M and 2.31M on his first attempts. Asian Champion Sanghyeok Woo cleared 2.28M on his second attempt before clearing 2.31M in his third.
USA’s World Championships silver medallist Harrison’s could not clear 2.31 and his 2.28M clearance, on his third attempt, gave him the bronze.
New Zealand’s World Indoor champion Hamish Kerr cleared 2.25M to finish fourth while Bahamian Donald Thomas round off the top five with a season’s best of 2.21M.
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