Barshim and Tamberi Will Compete in the Wanda Diamond League in Doha
Olympic gold medalists Barshim and Tamberi will compete in the Wanda Diamond League in Doha
Mutaz Barshim (QAT) and Gianmarco Tamberi (ITA), the joint Olympic high jump champions who shared one of the greatest sporting moments of all time when they topped the podium in Tokyo, will compete in the Doha Diamond League on Friday, May 13th, the first gathering of the 2022 Wanda Diamond League series.
Long-time friends and opponents, the two have stood by each other through good and bad times, including when they were both suffering from career-threatening ailments in the years leading up to their legendary Olympic victory.
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When Barshim won global gold in Doha in 2019, he made history by becoming the first athlete to successfully defend a world high jump title. Surprisingly, that happened after a catastrophic ankle injury in 2018. He is the Qatari national record holder with the best of 2.43m, the second-highest leap of all time, and is a two-time Olympic silver medalist (2012 and 2016).
"Our Olympic gold made history, but now my whole focus is on defending my world title in Eugene later this summer," the 30-year-old stated. "Three competitors passed 2.37 meters for the first time in Tokyo, demonstrating that the men's high jump is currently at a very high level." If we want to push the limits of our sport, we must all keep working hard. My training has been going well, and I'm excited to compete once more."
Tamberi, 29, is the Italian national record holder with a best of 2.39m. She is a former World Indoor and European Championships gold medalist. He was having his greatest year ever when he suffered a devastating injury just before the 2016 Rio Olympics. His move back to fitness was slow and difficult, but he returned to medal-winning form in 2019 with a European indoor crown in Glasgow. He finished third at the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade last year (2022).
"I had the best experience of my life with Mutaz in Tokyo, but now it's best to change on and concentrate on the new goals I've set for the World and European Championships this summer," the 2021 Wanda Diamond League champion stated. "I decided to compete at the World Indoors at the last minute, so I was thrilled to finish on the podium." Since the end of March, I've been training in Qatar and have thoroughly loved learning more about this fascinating country. Because of my companionship with Mutaz and the wonderful welcome I've received every time I visit, it makes a big difference to me to begin my Diamond League campaign and summer season in Doha."
The Wanda Diamond League in 2022 will have 14 matches, beginning on May 13 in Doha at the Qatar Sports Club and ending on two days in Zurich with only one final (7-8 September). Each meeting will be televised live for two hours across the world.