'Never seen anything like this!' Italian and Qatari athletes in tears as they SHARE gold

Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi and Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim were left battling it out during the men’s high jump final in Tokyo but both athletes were unable to clear their final jump to beat the other man. After three failed attempts, both Olympians spoke with officials to discuss what their options were with the option of sharing the gold medal being offered. Immediately, Mr Barshim extended his hand to his opponent as the pair joyously embraced and accepted the offer in a rare but perfectly legal turn of events.

Under normal rules, Mr Tamberi and Mr Barshim would have undergone a “jump-off” to break the stalemate but both men has no misses until the 2.37m jump. 

Officials told the athletes they had the option to share the top podium together and immediately took up the offer with Mr Tamberi falling to the floor, crying in celebration.