Qatar's star high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim speaks during a press conference held at the Torch Hotel in Aspire Zone to announce the launch of Esrar Race. Picture: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Qatar's track and field hero Mutaz Essa Barshim is a man who believes in chasing his dreams.
After winning the first-ever Olympic silver medal for his country in Rio De Janeiro last year, the primary target for the star high-jumper this year is to clinch a gold at the World Athletics Championship in August.
The 25-year-old is also setting sights on shattering an age old world record.
“Last year it was Olympics and this year my target is to win at the London Worlds,” Barshim told The Peninsula on the sidelines of a press conference held to announce the launch of Esrar Race at the Torch Hotel in Aspire Zone.
“So far my preparations are going good. We are starting very slowly and easy. Currently I am having light training and preparing with a slow pace to avoid any injury and ensure full fitness. We will reach the peak of preparations in the next few months before the London championships,” he added.
Barshim said he was yet to chalk out a plan of his assignments this year.
“I’ve been taking rest this year so far (in January and February) to recover from a busy season in 2016. It was a big and hectic season," Barshim said.
"I will sit down with the coach to discuss participation for this year’s assignments. We are yet to decide about skipping the events,” said Barshim before confirming that the next month’s GCC Athletics Championship will be his first competitive assignment this year.
“It will be another busy year for me which will start from the GCC Championships for which I have started my preparation. Then, there will be Diamond League starting in May. I will go with the same focus and determination in this year’s events," he said.
The London Olympics bronze medallist reached 2.38m to win the silver medal in Rio but his last year’s best was 2.40m which came in Opole, Poland in June 2016.
Barhim’s personal best, however, remains the 2.43m mark which he set three years ago.
He answered affirmatively when asked about his intentions to break the 24-year-old world record of 2.45m set by Javier Sotomayor of Cuba.
“I am chasing the world record. I don’t want to doubt my ability. You have to believe it because if you don’t believe it doesn’t exist. I hope it will come this year. If not I will not be dejected as still I have a lot of time. Great things take good time to come. I will remain optimistic,” Barshim said.
Speaking about his younger brother, Muamer, the Qatari athlete said his sibling had been training well while hoping for a successful season for him.
“He (Muamer) suffered injuries last year but he has now recovered and has started training. He has been preparing well with his team of coaches and hopefully he will come back with an improved performance this year,” Barshim senior said.
Barshim lauded the organisers of Esrar Race for holding the event, terming it a good and healthy initiative.
