It’s a tie!
Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim and Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi are both gold medallists in the high jump, after they opted to share the medal instead of staging a jump-off.
Both men cleared a height of 2.37m but missed the 2.39m jump, and in a touching act, opted to be joint winners under Olympic rules.
The moment has proved divisive, with some praising the sportsmanship of the competitors, while others criticised the anticlimactic finish.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
What people don't realise, the event typically take about 1hr15 mins, this one was at 2 hours 40mins and still at a dead lock.
sheek
Roar Guru
Oh FFS, it's in the rules, smart decision by both men. Who cares what the dimwits on social media think.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
2:38?
Johnny J-Dog
Guest
So they were given an option. A gold medal or risk losing it? No brainer really.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Both athletes cleared 2.37 metres and had no failed attempts, but were both unable to clear 2.39. After three failures each of the height. What else? They drew, 3 attempts each after all the other jumps.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Hmmm... not sure of the precedent that sets. Imagine how many competitors in the future, unsure of missing gold, negotiate with a rival to share it. I think this is one of the great moments, but don't like where it could head.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Sure...but maybe he wasn't confident he could win! :silly: :shocked: (I've seen a couple of Italian Silvers in the past couple of days, where they've lost a Gold Medal match)
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
It’s in the rules and why not. Awesome. Sportsmanship. Friendship. :thumbup: