Doha: As Mutaz Essa Barshim competed in the final yesterday, it created an electrifying atmosphere at the packed Khalifa International Stadium (KIS) with home fans coming in groups and huge numbers to back their hero.
It was an 8th day at the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2018, and one could easily say the venue saw the biggest turnout of the 10-day showpiece event so far.
Barshim’s men’s high jump final was scheduled to start at 8:15pm but fans could be seen storming towards the venue from 5pm.
With the 48000-capacity venue already filled, thousands of enthusiasts were also seen attempting entry inside the stadium and were unable to get their seats.
Yesterday’s schedule at the KIS also included finals of discus throw, women’s 400m hurdles, 3,000m steeplechase, and men’s 400m.
The highlight of the day, of course, was Barshim’s gold, but US athlete Dalilah Muhammad also thrilled the crowd by renewing her world record in the women’s 400m final, clocking a magical 52.16.
