They both cleared the highest bar, but when it came to deciding a winner, two Olympic high jumpers opted not to take it to a tie-breaker.
Instead, they asked to share the gold medal — prompting cheers throughout the sports world.
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During the competition, Mutaz Essa Barshim, 30, from Qatar, and Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi, 29, completed the first six jumps up to 2.37 meters (7 feet 8 inches).
Both then attempted to match the Olympic record of 2.39 meters for sole ownership of the title, but after three attempts neither succeeded.
The two athletes were then approached by a Games official. “Can we have two golds?” Barshim asked.
The official nodded, prompting Tamberi and Barshim to high five, embrace and celebrate.
It was an incredible moment that united a global audience that was ready for a show of unity.
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