UNCUT: Full-length interview with high jumping royalty Mutaz Barshim
Aug 17, 2023
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Mutaz Barshim, Qatari world champion high jumper, shares his experience of overcoming a devastating leg injury, the challenges of recovery, and the importance of staying positive. He discusses the mental battle he faced and the process of re-evaluating his goals, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
Having a strong support system of trusted individuals who understand the pressures and challenges of being a professional athlete is vital for success.
Taking breaks and finding balance in life, including pursuing interests outside of one's sport, can provide mental rejuvenation and contribute to overcoming challenges.
Deep dives
Mutaz Bar-Shim's Athletic Background and Support System
Mutaz Bar-Shim comes from a family with a sports background, and growing up, he witnessed the sacrifices made by his parents to support his father's athletic career. This upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and gratitude for the support he receives from his family, friends, and wife. He recognizes the importance of having a tight circle of trusted individuals who understand the pressures and challenges of being a professional athlete.
Overcoming Setbacks and Dealing with Pressure
Mutaz Bar-Shim shares how setbacks are an inevitable part of an athlete's journey. He opens up about a serious leg injury in 2018 that left him in a wheelchair and required an arduous recovery process. He emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and the ability to listen to oneself amidst the pressures external expectations bring. Bar-Shim advises athletes to focus on a core group of people who know them best and can help make decisions about their training and competition schedules.
Finding Balance and Enjoying Life Outside of Athletics
During his recovery, Mutaz Bar-Shim realized the significance of taking breaks and finding balance in one's life. He speaks about enjoying activities outside of athletics, such as traveling and spending time with family and friends. Bar-Shim learned the importance of not being solely defined by one's sport and embracing different interests and experiences, which served as a source of mental rejuvenation during challenging times.
The Comeback Journey and Winning the World Championship
Mutaz Bar-Shim recounts the emotional and physical struggles he faced during his comeback journey. He highlights the support of his coach, family, and team in guiding him through the difficult recovery process. Bar-Shim's determination led him to defend his world championship title in front of his home crowd, achieving the highest jump of the year and winning a gold medal. He shares the mental strength and self-belief it took to overcome doubts and perform at his best despite the adversity he faced.
“When I’m happy I’m at the track, when I’m mad I’m at the track, when I’m at my best and lowest, I’m at the track. I commit to this fully.” Ahead of Season 2 returning later in 2023, we’re releasing a series of full-length athlete interviews, completely uninterrupted. This extended episode is with Qatari world champion high jumper Mutaz Barshim.Earlier in Series 1 in Episode 11, listeners heard how resilience has been fundamental to Mutaz’s continued success on the world stage. In this uncut interview Mutaz reveals further just how mentally challenging it was to rebuild his career to great heights after a debilitating injury.In the shorter version, Cédric Dumont provides a step-by-step guide on how you can build your resilience levels when navigating everyday challenges. Listen to the episode and recap the exercise:https://www.redbull.com/int-en/mind-set-win-podcast-mutaz-barshim For more, check out: https://www.redbull.com/int-en/podcast-shows/mind-set-win Get in touch with us @cedricdumont & @mutaz.barshim
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