First silver medal win is Qatar’s legacy at the 2016 Rio Olympics

Qatar and Olympic flags flying in Rio
Qatar and Olympic flags flying in Rio

Qatar’s 2016 Olympic medal aspirations in Rio concluded last night with two of its athletes achieving notable ranks in the equestrian and hammer throw competitions.

However, both fell short of winning any medals.

Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani qualified for the Equestrian Individual Jumping earlier in the week and completed the finals on Friday with an overall rank of sixth.

Earlier this week, 21-year-old Ashraf Elseify qualified for the men’s hammer throw final with a throw of 73.47m.

And yesterday, Elseify tossed 75.46m, ranking sixth overall.

https://twitter.com/qatar_olympic/status/766814660943237120

Meanwhile, the men’s handball team went to the quarterfinals, but lost to Germany 34 to 22.

First silver

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the games for Qatar was when high-jumper Mutaz Barshim won the country’s first silver Olympic medal.

The 25-year-old jumped 2.36m to claim the victory and celebrated at Bayt Qatar in Rio with fans and officials alike.

In a statement, Barshim said:

“None of this would have been possible without the help of my parents, everyone in my country and God. I felt like the whole nation was behind me, supporting me every step of the way. This medal is for each and every one of you! I’m incredibly happy. Thank you!”

Across the Gulf

Though Qatar only won one medal this year, it fared better than Saudi Arabia and Oman, which were unable to clinch any.

It also did better than the UAE, which claimed a bronze in Judo.

Meanwhile, Kuwait was disqualified from competing due to government interference in sports federations.

However, two of its athletes took home gold while competing independently, in men’s double trap and men’s shooting skeet.

Finally, Bahrain took home a gold and silver for track & field.

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