Paris, France, August 10, 2024: Qatari high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim added another Olympic medal to his collection at the Stade de France on Saturday night.
The 33-year-old Barshim, who famously shared the gold medal with Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, this time had to settle for bronze.
This time there was a jump-off for gold between Hamish Kerr of New Zealand and Shelby McEwen of the United States after the pair failed to clear 2.38 metres. The bar eventually came down to 2.34 – and the Kiwi prevailed in dramatic circumstances.
Barshim registered a season’s best 2.34 after two failed attempts at 2.36 and one miss at 2.38, earning him the bronze as the pair above him battled for gold.
The Qatari now has four Olympic medals – bronze in Paris, gold at Tokyo 2020 and silver medals at Rio 2016 and London 2012.
“I’m really happy. That is very special,” he said.
“It was my dream to get to the Olympics. Standing here, the most decorated high jumper in Olympic history, it’s a blessing. It’s been a journey.
"I’m proud of myself, proud of my team. We’ve been putting in the work no matter what happens. We always show up and fight. That’s the reward.”
Barshim said he wasn’t thinking too much about what was going on around him as the competition reached its finale.
“I’m trying to focus on myself, execute my jump the best way possible. I was just hoping that my body won’t be giving me any issues. You can see in the qualification that it was very difficult. I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck. But it’s OK, I’m getting used to that.”
The Qatari great said Paris 2024 would be his last Olympics – and he had ruled out Los Angeles 2028.
“You will see me with popcorn, a few more kilograms, and watching the guys. This is my last Olympics for sure. That’s the legacy I want to leave behind. I have so much to give, maybe now it’s my time to give to the next generation and hopefully you’ll see the next champion.”