(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Breaking the world record in high jump in outdoor competitions remains on top of Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim's wish list this year.
The World Indoor Champion and London Games bronze medallist yesterday said he aims to "focus and be healthy" ahead of this year's world championship and next year's Rio Games while aiming to break the record for the highest jump of all time.
The ace athlete said he is not burdened by the expectations.
"I like it, all the attention. I do not think there is too much focus on the world record. It's not too much, it's a normal. It is just the way things are supposed to be and that is something nice. I feel people want me to do it. 'Here is a guy who can do it,' they say, so I take it as a motivation," the 23-year-old said, while speaking to journalists after becoming a brand ambassador of beIN SPORTS.
Barshim, who has cleared 2.43m, is aiming to beat the existing world record height of 2.45m set in 1993 by Javier Sotomayor of Cuba.
Barshim said he was not sure if he would break the world record but would certainly give it his best shot.
"The world record might happen, might never happen, but all along my career I am going to push and try to improve myself as the best I can. So, if I do it, it's good and if I don't, I at least tried," he said.
Looking at the season ahead, Barshim said: "The season is really going to be long, especially with four extra competitions - the Arab games, Asian Championship, Diamond league and World Championship. So it is important to stay healthy as this year we have the world championship and next year the Olympics."
"I Need to talk with my team and plan what is best for me for the season," said Barshim, who begins his Diamond League season in Shanghai.
Explaining the reason for taking part in the indoor competitions while others were resting during the same period, Barshim said: "I am thinking about me, the focus on myself, I am not concerned at what others are doing. If I feel I am bored let's do some (indoor) competitions."
Barshim said the beIN SPORTS brand ambassadorship was the best thing to happen to his career.
"It's a right partnership, we are part of a family, the beIN SPORTS people believe in what I am doing and will be supporting me."
The Executive Director of Human Resources and Financial Affairs at beIN SPORTS, Tareq Zainal, said Barshim will get financial and media support from the media group under the new deal that will initially will be for a period of one-year.
"Barshim is not only an ambassador for us, but also an iconic athlete for all Arabs. As an international athlete he has achieved a lot worldwide and his performance motivates the athletes from the region. At belN SPORTS, we are driven by our responsibility to make a positive difference in the world, not only through broadcasting sports but also reaching out to young athletes in the region to reach their potential," said Zainal.
"Mutaz Barshim is an ideal example of a young athlete, who is able to represent our brand values and mission. Through this role he will no doubt be a role model to other youth like him," said the beIN SPORTS official
"We are certain that Barshim will give belN SPORTS a true brand affinity. We will support him in his career and we will celebrate his achievements with him. We believe that having Barshim as a brand ambassador will not only promote belN SPORTS but also contribute to identify Qatar as a sporting hub," he added.
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