Main image via GMA Network , Time Magazine
Amidst this difficult time, the athletes at the Olympics have given us many reasons to be proud... and this moment between these two Olympians is definitely one of the most wholesome.
Italy and Qatar high jump athletes Gianmarco Tamberi and Mutaz Essa Barshim warmed the hearts of everyone around the globe when they decided to share the gold medal!
The two athletes were given a choice to either settle who gets gold medal with a jump-off or share the gold after they both failed three attempts at the 2.39 meter jump.
"Can we have two golds?" Mutaz asked the official in which he replied, “It’s possible” and before he finished explaining the two looked at each other and shook hands, making the crowd go wild!
The two rivals are said to be friends after they met in 2010 in a competition in Canada and have been there for one another through various competitions and even in injuries since.
"I look at him, he looks at me, and we know it. We just look at each other and we know, that is it, it is done. There is no need," Mutaz said.
"He is one of my best friends, not only on the track, but outside the track. We work together. This is a dream come true. It is the true spirit, the sportsman spirit, and we are here delivering this message."
Gianmarco previously suffered a serious ankle injury weeks before the Rio 2016 Olympics and was told he may not be able to compete anymore, but he returned stronger than ever and even celebrated with the cast from his broken ankle after his win!
The 30 and 29-year-old Mutaz and Gianmarco both completed all their jumps without fail before the 2.39 meter jump and both won gold for their 2.37 meter jumps
It’s definitely one of the best feeling in the world to win a gold medal at the Olympics but it’s even better when you get to share it with a long-time friend!
Thank you for the wholesome moment, Gianmarco Tamberi and Mutaz Essa Barshim and thanks for warming all our hearts!
Info via Buzzfeed News
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