Robbie Grabarz, who retired in 2018 after a stellar career as Britain’s top high jumper, will be presented with his 2012 Olympic silver medal during the Müller Birmingham Diamond League at the Alexander Stadium on Saturday 21 May.
Last year, Grabarz was officially upgraded to joint-second by the International Olympic Committee following Ivan Ukhov’s (RUS) disqualification. It came nine years after finishing in a three-way tie for the bronze medal with Derek Drouin (CAN) and reigning Olympic Gold medallist Mutaz Essa Barshim (QAT).
Grabarz, who also took gold at the European championships in 2012 and silver at both the 2016 World Indoors and European championships, is now helping advise rising high-jump star and Tokyo Olympian, Emily Borthwick. With the Alexander Stadium the scene of so many top performances in his career, as well as one of his main training venues, it will be a leap down memory lane for Grabarz whose career best of 2.37m is joint second on the UK all-time list.
Grabarz said, “I was one of the fortunate ones to still get a podium moment at London 2012, so I don’t feel as though I lost out quite as much as some. However, it is still nice to receive this further moment in receiving the silver medal.
“I am grateful for the efforts to enable me to receive the medal in Birmingham and it will be great to be in the new-look stadium for the presentation. I am so pleased that the Olympic Champion Gianmarco Tamberi is competing in the High Jump on the day. Us high jumpers are good friends, our only opponent is the bar, so for him as Olympic Champion to be there in the arena to celebrate it with me is a great honour and I’m looking forward to seeing all those guys compete again.”
The presentation will take place just before the commencement of the main Diamond League programme and ahead of the men’s high jump starts at 13:24. Presenting Grabarz with his medal will be Sir Hugh Robertson, Chairman of the British Olympic Association.
To enjoy this ceremony in person and the rest of an exciting Diamond League programme book your tickets now at: https://www2.theticketfactory.com/british-athletics/online/ Be sure to select seats in the South stand to get the best view of the high jump action!