Some time in 2014, the year when Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim jumped his personal best of 2.43m, second highest in the all-time list, something unusual happened.
While Barshim and his rivals lined up for their jumps, a couple of track events had to be delayed to allow the high jumping clan their space.
“I know we looked at each other, ‘we made it’,” the 2017 world champion said yesterday, ahead of the Diamond League season-opener in Doha.
With the biggest names in athletics coming in from track, including sprinters and middle distance runners, for years together, the last few years, field events, including high jump, javelin and pole vault, among others, have seen increased interest.
“You brought my attention to the field in the last few years,” athlete-MC Jenny Simpson, the 1500m World silver medallist, told Barshim while hosting the pre-event press conference at Doha’s City Centre Mall ahead yesterday.
“Thanks for that,” Barshim replied. “Few years ago the focus was more on track, especially with Usain Bolt in action. But I am glad to have been part of this revolution, I would say, for the field events,” the 26-year-old added.
Even as track events have fascinated many with terms like “fastest man”, “fastest woman”, often associated them, the slow build-up and anticipation of a climax perhaps, where everything could change, has given field events their share of spotlight in the recent years.
Triple jumper Christian Taylor of the US knows that. After Pablo Pichardo of Cuba jumped 18.06m on his third attempt in the 2015 edition of the Doha Diamond League, Taylor had his work cut out. His sixth effort had hit the 18m mark for the first time, but did it do enough to beat the Cuban?
Eventually, it turned out, that Taylor had missed out by 2cm. Perhaps the longest 2cm of his life.
“I was the biggest loser in one of the biggest triple jump competitions in recent times,” Taylor said. “I had gone beyond 18m for the first time. It’s very humbling. Sometimes you have to let your downfalls be your strengths. From then I was very determined and a few Diamond Leagues later, I shown that I could become a better version of myself.”
And there are also the crowds. “The Doha crowd has been great over the years,” Taylor added. “Throughout the event, for those few hours, there has never been a quiet moment. It’s a party atmosphere, people playing drums, egging you on to better your last attempt.”
Barshim, an inspiration in Qatar who promotes healthy living and picking up sport as part of one’s lifestyle, added: “Now, I’m honoured to be part of this drive to bring attention to field events and we love growing alongside the wider track and field community. This will in turn inspire the best, as young people now follow field athletes as they compete.”
Barshim poses at a press conference yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil
