The world record could be broken at any time, and the challenge at the Doha meeting will be big
The wonderful reception after my achievement at the World Championships in Poland was an even bigger incentive to give my best
Our Olympic gold champion Mutaz Essa Barshim said in a televised interview published on the IAAF website that he is seeking to achieve the best results in the upcoming events, especially the Asian Games, as well as putting on a great show in Doha at the Diamond League meeting. He said his ambitions were not high during the past period because his goals were limited to a strong showing at the Asian Championships and then the World Indoor Championships in Poland, praising all the support he receives from officials in the country and the federation, and crediting his coach for contributing to his success, particularly winning bronze at the London Olympics and then silver at the World Championships in Moscow, adding that he still has much more to give within a comprehensive programme. He said the world record in the high jump could be broken this year, and here are excerpts from our champion’s interview with the television channel
Asked at the start about his ambitions for this year, he said expectations were not high because the focus was initially on two events, the World Indoor Championships and, before that, the Asian Championships, and that he was pleased with what he achieved in both major events, but at the same time considered what comes next to be more important, especially reaching the Asian Games, and before that the important Diamond League meeting in Doha, followed by the possibility of taking part in other meetings, though the focus remains on the Asian Games
He said what matters to him is to give his best in his own country, especially with the Diamond League being held in Doha, and that the high jump event carries great importance this year given the participation of most of the world champions who competed at the recent World Championships in Poland, affirming at the same time that the challenge is big but the most important thing is achieving a positive result. Asked about the possibility of setting a new high jump mark this year, that is breaking the world record, he said it was very possible, especially given the strong competition, and said he received a wonderful welcome on his return from the World Championships in Poland, given everyone’s joy at his complete gold-medal achievement. He also spoke about jumping techniques and his method being different from others, noting that in his country he has a different approach but is happy to be achieving his desired goal, and praised his coach, saying he contributed greatly to his success, noting that he is a graduate of Aspire Academy
