Qatari Olympic champion Mutaz Barshim told Qatar News Agency on June 21, 2026, that he aims for a strong showing at the Monaco Diamond League next month after finishing second in the men’s high jump at the Doha leg of the series. Barshim, who cleared 2.27 metres in Doha behind Italy’s Matteo Sioli at 2.29 metres, described the result as a first step in his technical progression and return to full physical and competitive form following a two-year hiatus from the sport. The three-time world champion emphasised that gradual achievement of ambitions remains essential, as he focuses on restoring his technical, physical and mental levels through patience and consistent training.
Barshim told QNA that he had not participated in contests for two years, a period that naturally affected his jumping stamina, yet he remains confident a return to his known level will come with persistent work. He will line up at Meeting Herculis EBS, the tenth stop of the 2026 Diamond League season scheduled for July 10 in Monaco, where he aspires to post the best possible result. The athlete added that attaining a high technical standard takes time and that he is not rushing the process while continuing steady preparation.
World Athletics profiles show Barshim holds the Asian record of 2.43 metres set in Brussels in 2014 and has secured world titles in 2017, 2019 and 2022 along with shared gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. His 2026 season began with gold at the Gulf Games in Doha at 2.20 metres, followed by another gold at the Asian Athletics Championships in China with 2.24 metres before the Doha Diamond League clearance. These results illustrate a clear upward progression after the extended break from competition.
The Wanda Diamond League calendar lists the men’s high jump among the core disciplines for the Monaco meeting at Stade Louis II, which regularly draws the world’s leading athletes in the event. Organisers have confirmed the July 10 programme will include high jump alongside sprints, middle distance and other field events. Barshim’s entry adds further depth to a competition already known for producing strong performances in jumping disciplines.
Barshim told QNA he attributes the consistent performances of Italian athletes such as Sioli to Italy’s robust high-jump training system. He expressed gratitude for his rivals, noting that he always enjoys competition because it strengthens his own competitive spirit and pushes him to deliver his best. The Qatari champion, who began the year focused on rebuilding after limited activity, has credited these matchups with helping maintain his motivation across the early season meets.
According to its official biography on World Athletics, Barshim has also collected multiple Asian Games, Asian Championship and Arab titles over his career spanning more than 15 years at the elite level. The 35-year-old’s return aligns with a broader pattern of veteran athletes rebuilding form ahead of major championships later in the 2026 calendar. His results so far this season have placed him among the leading high jumpers in the current Diamond League standings.
