Qatari Jumper Barshim Sets Sights on London Olympics

Qatar’s high jump ace Mutaz Issa Barshim said he is focused on doing well at the Olympics, to be hosted by London next year, after virtually just turning up to pick up a gold medal at the 12th Arab Games currently in progress here. The promising high jumper’s effort of 2.30 meters won hosts Qatar their third gold medal in track and field events. Sudan’s Mohamed Idris won the silver medal with a jump of 2.24m and Qatar’s Ahmed Rashid Al Mannai took the bronze with a 2.21m effort. Speaking to Gulf Times reporter N D Prashant, after winning the gold medal on Friday, Barshim said, “I thought I was not in shape but I jumped 2.30. What can I say? I am not 100% in shape but I did what I was supposed to win another gold for Qatar.” He admitted the going was bit easy for him saying, “I knew I needed to jump 2.27m to win from the beginning itself. I took it like a training session.” The Qatari also added that his focus is clearly the London Olympics. “I’m eyeing the Olympic Games. That is the next goal for me. I’m keen to do well there.” Once Barshim was assured of the gold, he still had the option to attempt for the 2.33m mark but he decided not to go for it after making use of just one attempt. “It was a little cold and the medal ceremony was taking a long time so I decided to stop. Better to have gold and be safe than try to jump higher and get injured.” Bronze medallist Al Mannai attributed his success to new coach Lubosh. “Earlier, I found it difficult to communicate with my former coach Stanislaw Szczyrba. I’m not saying that he is not a good coach but the chemistry between us was not ideal. I jumped 2.20m in the Doha Diamond League in May but after that, I couldn’t jump higher that 2.10m and I felt I was trapped. “Two months ago I turned to Lubosh, a coach who works with young kids at the Aspire Academy. He helped me find myself again. I feel very confident now like before.”