Work, Rest and Play with Mutaz Essa Barshim

Published by the IAAF on March 18, 2014

High jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim secured bronze and silver medals at the London 2012 Olympic Games and 2013 IAAF World Championships respectively before climbing up to the top step of the podium earlier this month when he won at the 2014 IAAF World Indoor Championships.

The 22-year-old Qatari, who holds the Asian record indoors and outdoors, is next up to try our work, rest and play questions.

MUTAZ AT WORK

What are your three favourite things about being an athlete?

Mutaz Essa Barshim: Firstly, the competition. I’m a competitive guy when it comes to sports and that is something I really like. Secondly, having fun, which means a lot when I train and compete. Thirdly, the other thing I enjoy is being able to make the most of the talent that I was given.

Do you have a favourite training session?

MEB: I like the running sessions. Running the 120m and 150m etc is cool.

Do you have a least favourite training session?

MEB: The conditioning period at the start of the season because you have to train long and hard. That is the worst.

Do you have a favourite training venue?

MEB: I love training at home in Doha at the federation track. To me, it is always home. I’ve trained there since I was a kid and it is somewhere I feel I belong.

Do you have an all-time favourite training partner?

MEB: I’m not really a group guy, so myself. Me, myself and I (laughs).

MUTAZ AT REST

Where is your favourite place to relax?

MEB: At home. When I come home, I relax with my family and chill.