This is sportsmanship: The high jumpers Essa Mutaz Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi were on par in terms of failed attempts and skipped heights – and then made a historic decision that earned them gold each.
In addition to world records or exciting millimeter decisions, it is often above all the emotional moments that are still well remembered from the Olympics years later. The two high jumpers Gianmarco Tamberi from Italy and the Qatar Essa Mutaz Barshim provided such a moment on the ninth day of the competition. The memorable and also historical scene should already be set for every review.
It is shortly before 3 p.m. German time when Tamberi, as the last jumper in the men’s final, has it in his hand – or rather in his calves – to become the sole Olympic champion. 2.39 meters are on, but the Italian fails like before Barshim and Maksim Nedasekau from Belarus, who won bronze, on the height.
“Can we both have gold?”
What follows then develops into the most beautiful emotional outburst of the evening. Tamberi, who at this point has the same number of unsuccessful attempts as Barshim, approaches his opponent, one embraces when a judge approaches her. You can continue jumping, he explains, but is quickly interrupted by Barshim: “Can we both have gold?” That is possible, the official continues, “if you ..”. He doesn’t get any further.
Both athletes step aside, look at each other before Barshim says: “Let us write history.” Tamberi doesn’t hesitate for a second, strikes immediately and jumps at the Qatar exuberantly – pure joy, pure emotion.
Even after that, the Italian cannot be tamed for a long time, as a recording of the sports show on Twitter shows:
Never two Olympic champions in high jump
Because there have never been two Olympic champions in a high jump final, they also made an entry in the history books. After bronze in London (2012) and silver in Rio (2016), Barshim now also has a full set of medals. Tamberi, meanwhile, was able to at least forget a bit of a black moment in his career: The 29-year-old was considered the top favorite for gold for the games in Rio, but ultimately had to pass due to a serious ankle injury.
After winning the gold medal, just a few minutes later the Italian had every reason to cheer in the Tokyo circuit when compatriot Lamont Marcell Jacobs sprinted the 100 meters as the fastest man in the world. Tamberi jumped into his arms too, still in a state of ecstasy. The next scene the Flashbacks should make it through.
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
