The Moment Two Olympians Decided To Share A Gold Medal Is Immensely Joyful

Aug 02, 2021 by apost team

The Olympics are known for showcasing and highlighting the world’s most elite and skillful athletes in various sports. The games are a staple for many, as athletes from all over the world are able to compete and showcase their incredible skills and athleticism. In 2020, the Olympics had to be postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic but has resumed in Tokyo since July 2021. 

The last few days have shown some incredible sporting moments. As is the case with every Olympic year, some moments are emotional and will continue to resonate for years to come. The greatest moments in an athlete's life are certainly when he/she wins a medal for his/her nation, and the celebrations that follow are sure to warm everyone's hearts. Naturally, a gold Olympic medal is one of the greatest victories that a sportsperson can achieve, and the competition that comes with it is extremely fierce.

Sometimes, even a fraction of a second can be the difference between gold and silver, and there is hardly ever a moment when there is a true tie at the Olympics. However, on Sunday, August 1, 2021, Mutaz Essa Barshim from Qatar and Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi were perfectly tied for gold in the men's high jump competition. This meant that the two of them had to go for a tie-breaker to decide the winner. 

However, in a rare and heartwarming moment in sporting history, the two men asked what would happen if they settled for their scores. When they were told that both of them would win gold if they did not continue to compete against each other, both men embraced each other in a truly joyful moment. 

The Olympics, after all, is about competition, and the competitiveness is extreme. People train throughout their lives to achieve a level of sportsmanship that will firstly help them qualify for the Olympic games, and then to actually win when faced with the world's greatest athletes. Naturally, the pressure can get to some, and for others, the matter of a millisecond can be the difference between a medal and nothing. 

A true tie is almost impossible but Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim and Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi found themselves in one. The Washington Post reported both men "had flawlessly executed each of their first six jumps up to 2.37 meters (about 7 feet 9 inches), neither Barshim nor Tamberi could convert at the Olympic-record height of 2.39 (about 7-10) to win the gold medal outright." 

Barshim and Tamberi have been friends for a decade already, and finding themselves in such an exhausting position, embraced each other before they were asked if they wanted to go forward with a jump-off that would decide the gold medal winner. As the men looked at each other and smiled, Barshim asked “Can we have two golds?" and as the official nodded, the men again embraced each other and it was clear that neither was going to compete against the other. Both chose to win gold together. 

“History, my friend,” Barshim could be heard saying to Tamberi, who collapsed on the race track and cried. The two men came together to celebrate each person's win together once again, and needless to say, this heartwarming sportsmanship and more importantly, friendship, is a moment that will be remembered for years to come! 

About the moment, Tamberi said, "We didn’t even answer; we just enjoyed the moment because we want it so much," adding, "We are very good friends." 

apost.com

Did you catch the moment that these two sportspersons made this beautiful decision? Would you have done the same in their position? Tell us your thoughts, and be sure to pass this beautiful moment onto others as well.