The Monaco Athletics Festival is born: Monaco becomes a global capital of high jump

H.S.H. Prince Albert II, President of the Fédération Monégasque d’Athlétisme, and Mutaz Barshim, three-time world champion and Olympic high jump champion, have officially announced the creation of a new major athletics event in the Principality: the Monaco Athletics Festival.

This announcement marks a key milestone for Monegasque athletics, introducing an international event fully dedicated to sporting excellence and to the promotion of high jump.

From the What Gravity Challenge to a global series

Since 2024, Mutaz Barshim has been developing an innovative event dedicated to his discipline, bringing together the world’s best high jumpers in a competition held in Doha. Named the What Gravity Challenge, inspired by his spectacular jumping technique that seems to defy gravity, the event was created with a clear ambition: to give greater visibility to high jump while bringing athletes closer to the public.

Following the success of its first edition, the Qatari champion decided to expand the concept from 2025 into a global league, the What Gravity Tour. This international series features iconic and historic sporting destinations, allowing athletes to accumulate points throughout the season.

Monaco, a natural European stage

It was within the framework of this European leg that discussions with the Monegasque Athletics Federation led to the creation of a Monaco stage from 2026. Drawing on its proven expertise in organising urban competitions, notably through the relocation of events from the Meeting Herculis EBS to Port Hercule in 2018 and 2019, the Federation aims to further develop city-based athletics events.

The goal is to offer an exceptional setting for both athletes and spectators, right in the heart of the city.

Save the date: 5 August 2026

Born from a shared vision, the Monaco Athletics Festival will enhance Monaco’s sporting calendar from 2026 onwards. With the support of the Princely Government and the Monaco City Hall, the first edition will take place on 5 August 2026 at 6:00 p.m., on the Quai Albert Ier, which will be transformed into an open-air sporting arena.

Voices from the project

Mutaz Barshim, Founder of the What Gravity Tour:

“Monaco embodies excellence, heritage and global sporting prestige. The launch of the Monaco Athletics Festival and its integration into the What Gravity Tour represent a major step in our vision to create a truly international platform dedicated to high jump. Our goal is to showcase the discipline, bring it closer to the general public and give athletes the opportunity to compete in some of the world’s most iconic locations.”

Rodolphe Berlin, Vice-President of the Monegasque Athletics Federation:

“We are delighted to partner with Mutaz, a great champion with a remarkably clear vision for his sport and its development. This project fully aligns with our Federation’s ambitions. We hope to establish this event as a lasting fixture on Monaco’s calendar and, given the spectacular nature of high jump, make the Monaco Athletics Festival a true celebration of elite athletics for the public.”