Barshim launches inaugural ‘High Jump What Gravity Challenge Championship’ in presence of Sotomayor and others
Barshim launches inaugural ‘High Jump What Gravity Challenge Championship’ in presence of Sotomayor and others
DOHA - The Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) will launch the first edition of ‘High Jump What Gravity Challenge Championship’ on May 9 to be held at the Katara Amphitheatre.
The championship has been based on the idea of Qatari Olympic and World high jump champion Mutaz Essa Barshim, informed Mohammed Issa Al Fadalah, President of the Qatar Athletics Federation, hoping that the competition will continue until it becomes a global championship.
The event was announced at a press conference held at the Chedi Hotel, the official headquarters of the tournament, in the presence of Cuban high jump legend Javier Sotomayor, Swedish Nicholas Patrick Sjoberg, who holds the record of the third highest jump in high jump history, and Olympic and World champion Mutaz Barshim, who holds a personal record of 2.43 metres, as the second best leap into history.
QAF President stressed that the Gravity Challenge represents our commitment to promoting sports talent and enhancing international cooperation to develop the sport of global athletics, pointing out that the winner will be crowned with a special cup specially made by the artist Ahmed Al Bahrani.
Barshim revealed the details of launching the first edition of the tournament, stressing that, “The gravity challenge represents a legacy of pride presented on behalf of my beloved country, Qatar, and also a goal for all high jump champions to present their best.”
Barshaim added that the tournament was an idea on paper and became a reality thanks to the support of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, hoping that the tournament would reach the international level so that it would become a legacy in the future, especially in light of the participation of an elite group of world champions, and it will be organized at the highest levels in light of the great experience that QAF has in organizing international championships, which enhances expectations for a distinguished hosting in accordance with the highest organizational standards.
He continued, “We obtained the silver rating from the international federation, which is the highest rating for the new championships, especially since the championship will witness the participation of the best 12 contestants in the world.”
The high jump legends participated in the press conference as ambassadors for the tournament, as their presence highlights the importance of this pioneering challenge in the world of sports, which will be held for the first time in the world.
Sotomayor, tournament ambassador, said, “As a former world record holder in the high jump, I am excited to watch the next generation of champions push the limits of human potential in defying gravity.
“Mutaz aims to encourage distinguished international athletes from all over the world to showcase their talents and inspire future generations.”
‘Defying gravity’ has been a personal expression for Barshim and of his gratitude to Qatar, which has provided him with great support during his career during he won three Olympic medals besides being the second best jumper in history.
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