05 Oct 2019
Doha, 5 October 2019. Aspire Academy graduate and Qatari star athlete Mutaz Essa Barshim called his gold medal victory that saw him defend his high jump title at the World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, the biggest achievement of his career. Barshim cleared 2.37 to win gold on home soil in front of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and a capacity crowd that cheered on the 28-year-old Aspire Academy graduate. Mutaz’s win brings Qatar’s medal count at the Championships to 2, one gold and one bronze.
“To win on home soil is great and to do so here at Khalifa International Stadium which is in Aspire Zone – a place that is special to me as Aspire is my second home having graduated from the Academy it means everything to me winning gold in these Championships. Once we are done with the competition l will be coming to Aspire Academy to celebrate with all at Aspire and carry on speaking and encouraging the student-athletes who will have seen what has happened today. I will tell the Aspire student athletes, l am one of you and was in the Academy like you and had dreams to be and to do what l have done today- win gold, so you too can be the same.”
Barshim admitted that he was not fully fit going into the competition, “It’s been a tough and difficult time after the injury, but l told myself l have to give my all even if it meant being injured. With the packed stadium in full voice and support the strong will and encouragement of the fans made me focus and up my performance so l could win the gold medal for the people of my country Qatar. I could see it in their eyes how enthusiastic they were and how much enjoyment they were getting from it and that spurred me on,” said Mutaz Barshim