Rio 2016: Barshim hopes silver provides Qatari spark

Mutaz Barshim hopes his historic silver medal in the Rio 2016 high jump can serve as the spark to inspire Qatar's next generation to become future Olympians.

Barshim became the first Qatari to win silver in the history of the Olympics on Wednesday, the nation having only won four bronzes previously.

The 25-year-old claimed one of those medals at London 2012, but he upgraded in Brazil as he finished two centimetres behind champion Derek Drouin.

And after breaking through that barrier, Barshim hopes those watching at home will gain the desire to try and emulate his success.

"It [the silver] came, but I'm too tired to realise it yet!," Barshim told Omnisport, speaking courtesy of Nike.

"I've got two phones and they both have stopped working due to too many messages and e-mails.

"It's big, I know it's big, I'm just happy. I had a dream as a young kid just to be at the Olympics, to be an Olympian and today I woke up in the morning like 'wow, it's my second Olympic medal'.

"I'm very humble, I just want to enjoy the moment and being able to come out here put in a silver performance and make history for my country.

"What I really like about it the most is I hope it inspires different people. That's the key, to show 'look its possible, we can [do it]. It doesn't matter that we are a small country, we have big heart to go out there and do it.'

"It gives people the belief, maybe you need someone to start the spark and the rest will follow, and hopefully that's it.

"You should never underestimate yourself, if you are going for something and have a target or a goal, you always go for the best.

"Of course we were going for gold but it was a strong competition and Drouin had it. I'm still very happy. Just to be out there and get silver, I'm fine with that."