Photo: Hannah McKay | Reuters
In one of the most exciting and competitive high jump finals in Olympic history, Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim and Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi both cleared 2.37 meters, but not the Olympic record height of 2.39 meters (7 ft., 10 in.). The two athletes, who are also good friends, were then given the option to settle matters with a jump-off. With no question, they decided to forgo a jump-off and share the gold. "Sharing with a friend is even more beautiful. It was just magical," Tamberi said. Barshim said, "I know for a fact that, for the performance I did, I deserve that gold. He did the same thing, so I know he deserved that gold. This is beyond sport. This is the message we deliver to the young generation."
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