Sports
‘Heartwarming moment at Tokyo Olympics’: High jumpers from Qatar, Italy chose to share gold medal
Tokyo: The men’s high jump gold medal was shared between the athletes of Italy and Qatar amid emotional conclusion at Tokyo Olympics.
According to details, Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar and Gianmarco Tamberi were both competing for a gold medal in high-jump competition at the Olympic final in the men's high jump and the moment arived with a surprising twist.
When both Barshim and Tamberi failed to clear the last height, they were left with a choice: either to have a jump-off for gold, or share it.
While the official was explaining the rule to both athletes, Barshim interjected. "Can we have two golds?" he asked followed by both jumping with excitement and agreeing to tie at the Tokyo Games in a competition settled not by clearing the top height but through a subtle nod.
"I looked at him, he looked at me, we understand," Barshim said later.
"We just enjoyed the moment," Tamberi said, "because we wanted it so much. I still can’t believe it happened. Sharing with a friend is even more beautiful. … It was just magical.”
There are now two gold medalists in the men's high jump at the Tokyo Olympics: Qatar's Barshim and Italy's Tamberi, each of whom cleared 7 feet, 9 1/4 inches.