Barshim braces for return to action in preparation for Tokyo 2021
THE achievements of Qatar’s falcon and high jump icon Mutaz Barhim will resonate for a long time as the story of a legend whose name will go down in letters of gold in the records of history in athletics.
The Qatari Red Bull historical triumph which earned him his second gold medal and crowned him as the world champion at the 2019 World Athletics Championship in Doha has demonstrated his extraordinary ability to overcome difficulties and challenges as he was just recovering from injury and yet achieved the incredible feat.
Barshim is the falcon who flew high in the sky and now the whole world is awaiting his performance at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.
Barshim is preparing for the challenges to come after the COVID-19 pandemic. He speaks about the road ahead and his plans leading to Tokyo 2021.
Excerpts
hat ar o r lans or th s ason and o titions
My plans for the period to come have begun by a return to usual routine and the daily training in preparation for the championships that will pave the way to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. I will keep on the same track till then.
os or tional a hi nt at th orld Athl ti s ha ionshi t an r ss r on o r t r with r gards to th l i s
I believe that feeling the pressure is something natural for every professional athlete such as myself. I even deem it essential for me to feel the pressure in all the competitions I take part of. Nonetheless, I have to adapt to it, and prevent it from taking a toll on me, so as to channel the pressure into positive results.
o ar on o th ost d t r in d athl t s in th a o di lti s his was d onstrat d atrorinaosinrand o r strong r t rn to th s n ow do o i w th hall ng now
I personally strive to do my best in every tournament I take part in. I take each of the challenges very seriously, and attempt to succeed. Seriousness is indeed an important factor in achieving success and winning.
o w r on o th athl t s who ontrib t d th ost in raising awar n ss on th i ortan o sta ing ho in lin with th orts ai d at li iting th s r ad o id th arantin ha n gati ts on athl t s
The pandemic has had a toll on the world as a whole, and athletes are no exception to that. However, athletes have the duty to give back to society, by leaving a positive impact. Sometimes we just have to make the right decision, and comply with the rules, even if it goes against our interests as athletes. The public health of the community takes precedence in such cases. Of course, staying home will do athletes no good, but there is a positive side to it, as it sends the message that preserving public health and safety is given utmost importance at both individual and community levels.
o ld o li it o r a ti iti s to th l i a s or will o also o t at th orld Athl t i s ndoor ha ionshi s th
ia ond ag and oth r s h to rna nts
So far, we’re still carrying on the routine training, which is the most important thing for us currently. We are still to set the schedule of the events I will compete in during the 2021 season, but that will be decided with the coach and the management team and will include a review of all the competitions of the 2021 season.
A t r th risis ath l t sar nows b t dto tan oth r t o s hologi al r s sr hat ar o r tho ghts with r gards to o o o
o thin that going a t r o r third l i dal will os a arti lar hall ng to o a t r ondon and io
es indeed, Tokyo 2021 is a great challenge to me personally after London 2012 and Rio 2016. et, I do think of it as any other milestone in my career, and I shall do my best, while keeping in mind that competing for gold may be though, but it is not impossible.
o wor r hard with o r oa h Stanislaw Sz z rba hat ind o r lation do o ha with hi
I definitely have a strong bond with coach Stanislaw Szczyrba, and it is not just a coach athlete relationship. It goes beyond the track and field, and is not limited to training. We are friends, we discuss all matters of life. This has facilitated communication between us, and we now understand each other, which grants us success.
o o b li it is ti to br a ban a i r Soto a or s r ord
When it comes to the high jump record, I think no time is a good time to consider breaking it. I think I need to be focused on my training (and my aim is to set this figure as a target during my training).
hat is or i ortant or o right now o sing on th l i s or grad all r t rning to th s n thro gh th orld ndoors and th ia ond ag
What’s important to me right now is to go back to competing in tournaments, in order to be physically fit and prepared, as would be the case for any athlete in my position.
hat ha o l arn d ro th s rio sin r o s r d
Injury has taught me that nothing is impossible when there is will and hard work. I’ve got my friends and family’s support to thank for helping me triumph over injury, as well as my patient and devoted team and coach who have facilitated my strong comeback. But first and foremost, I thank God for everything as success is actually a gift from above. (www.redbull.com)