The exceptional 2023 track and field season ended last week with a phenomenal exhibition of thrilling performances at the Diamond League finale. After the season drew to an end, the star athletes dispersed to different iconic locations of the world for a fun-filled vacation. Recently, one track and field hero from the high jump discipline pulled the curtain on his off-season adventures on foreign soil.

Mutaz Barshim, a track and field legend from Qatar, has joined the Formula One racing circuit in Japan as a guest of honor. He was in deep training after winning the silver medal in the high jump final at Budapest. Finally, he decided to give himself time to recharge and have some fun before the next season began. However, this was no ordinary vacation but a strategic move to prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Track and field champion Mutaz Barshim travels to Japan

Track Spice, a well-regarded blogger on Twitter, broke the news with a post reading, “Off season Shenanigans Olympic and 3x World Champion Mutaz Barshim at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, Japan”. He posted photos of the renowned athlete from the racecourse, who seemed to be enjoying himself thoroughly. The Japanese organizers treated Barshim like the star that he was and allowed him onto the grid.

When the Olympic champion stepped onto the grid, the crowds at the Suzuka Circuit burst out in loud cheers. Among the roaring fans was Former Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel, who lent his voice to the chorus. Simply put, Japan’s Mie Prefecture gave him the same splendid reception as home participant Yuki Tsunoda. Confusing as it may seem, there was a simple explanation behind this wild support for this track and field hero. Mutaz Barshim became Qatar Tourism’s brand ambassador, and Japan wanted to leverage his presence to form better relations with the Middle East.

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His tenure as the brand ambassador runs until September 2024, or, to put it differently, till the Paris Olympics. Barshim was happy with his appointment and said, “I am truly honoured and proud to be a brand ambassador for Qatar Tourism… This partnership reflects the synergy between my aspirations and the mission of Qatar Tourism”. His aspirations led the high jump paragon to the Diamond League, where he won the golds in Silesia and Zurich. However, his biggest regret this season was disappointing his home crowd in the Doha Diamond League with third place. However, now he has sights on 2024 for redemption.

Mutaz Barshim to redeem himself in Paris

The Qatari star has developed a taste for gold after winning one in the 2020 Tokyo Games and three others in the world championships. Now, he is hungry for one more and has decided Paris be his hunting ground. In 2024, he wishes to capitalize on the support from his country and make a leap for it. Barshim has another aim, which he hinted at during the Doha Diamond League. He said, “High jump is my passion and I want to make sure that my name is mentioned whenever high jump is mentioned”.

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He wants his name to be written in indelible ink on the track and field history books. For this lofty goal, Mutaz Barshim will have to occupy the world record for the highest jump. Currently, he ranks second. Will the 2024 Paris Olympics be the stage where Barshim achieves his dream? Comment with your thoughts below.

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