Barshim wins inaugural What Gravity Challenge with season’s best jump

Doha, Qatar: Mutaz Barshim yesterday had a double delight as his brainchild What Gravity Challenge finally saw the light , with the victory after his...

Doha, Qatar: Mutaz Barshim yesterday had a double delight as his brainchild What Gravity Challenge “finally saw the light”, with the victory after his season’s best jump adding the joy for Qatar’s high jump superstar at the Katara Amphitheatre.

The unique event contested among the elite athletes showcased top quality action as Barshim entertained the home fans clearing 2.31m, bettering his previous season's best at the Yangtze Delta Athletics Diamond Gala in Suzhou, 12 days ago, by two centimeters.          

“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,” Barshim, who came up with the idea of the grand high jump gala many years ago, said after his latest win.

“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,” Barshim said after receiving the unique award, designed by local artist Ahmed Al Bahrani, along with a prize of $15,000 from the Second Vice President of Qatar Olympic Committee Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari.

The reigning Olympic and World champion Barshim cleared 2.28 and 2.31 in his first attempts but failed to go beyond the 2.33 mark in all three attempts.