Mutaz to lead Qatar’s charge in London

Doha: High jump superstar Mutaz Essa Barshim will lead Qatar’s charge at the IAAF World Championships to be held in London from August 4 to 13.

Rio Games silver medallist Mutaz has a personal best of 2.43m, which makes him second best high jumper ever after Cuban Javier Sotomayor, who holds the world record in the event (2.45).

Mutaz is in tremendous form, winning all four of the Diamond League meetings  — Doha, Shanghai, Oslo and Paris — he has participated this season and would be looking to add a first World Championship medal to his collection.

Hammer thrower Ashraf Amgad Elseify, javelin thrower Ahmed Bader, world indoor 400M silver medallist Abdalelah Haroun and Abderrahman Samba, who won the 400M hurdles at Doha Diamond League, are Qatar’s other competitors in London.

Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) General Secretary Mohamed Issa Al Fadala said, “Qatar’s athletes are determined and will put in all their efforts to achieve what we all hope for and take podium positions.

“We will work hard to boost the success of Qatari athletics, especially as Qatar will host the 17th edition of the IAAF World Championships in 2019 and then participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.”