Our golden world champion Mutaz Essa Barshim, speaking at the press conference held at the Inter hotel, expressed his hope that Doha would be successful in hosting the 2019 World Championships, saying at the outset: “I feel good right now. We’re still at the start of the season, it’s May, but I’m in good shape. I’m not aiming for a top performance in Doha, because I have a long season ahead. It won’t end before October, and I need to maintain my fitness until then, so I’m still in a tough preparation period, but I’m ready to jump in Doha.” On the possibility of Doha hosting the World Championships in 2019: “It’s a special feeling for any athlete to have their home country host the World Championships.” On the possibility of a world record in the high jump this year: “I know the high jump is at a very high level right now, better than ever before, we’re seeing athletes reaching 2.40. I think the world record could be broken at any time this summer. We can’t predict now and name names, it requires good conditions, good weather, and strong crowd support. I think the high jump world record is the toughest in track and field.” Asked about his sporting role model, he said: “I love Muhammad Ali, he’s my sporting role model. I follow him constantly and watch all his fights, and anything related to him, I consider him the ideal sportsman who has always inspired me”.
