Doha: Qatari Olympic and world champion Mutaz Barshim stated that finishing second in the men's high jump at the Doha Diamond League is a first step in his technical progression and his return to full physical and competitive form ahead of the 2026 athletics season.
According to Qatar News Agency, Barshim emphasized his ambition to achieve the best results in the current season, highlighting the importance of gradually achieving goals for athletes. He noted that his current focus is on restoring his technical, physical, and mental levels after a two-year hiatus from competition.
Barshim recalled the impact of his two-year absence on his performance but expressed confidence in regaining his previous level through patience, training, and consistent effort. He is set to compete at the Monaco Diamond League (Meeting Herculis EBS), the tenth stop of the season in July 2026, aiming for strong results while acknowledging that reaching a high technical level requires time.
He acknowledged the competitive prowess of Italian athletes, attributing it to the robust high-jump training environment in Italy. Barshim highlighted his rival Matteo Sioli, who secured first place in the Doha Diamond League meeting with a height of 2.29m, while Barshim finished second with a clearance of 2.27m.
Barshim expressed gratitude for his high jump rivals, appreciating the competition as it fuels his competitive spirit and drives him to perform at his best. He began his season in May by winning the high jump gold medal at the Gulf Games - Doha 2026, followed by a gold at the Asian Athletics Championships in China.
Having set the second-best high jump mark in history (2.43m in Brussels, 2014), Barshim has progressed through the season with clearances of 2.20m at the Gulf Games, 2.24m at the Asian Championships, and 2.27m at the Doha Diamond League meeting.