Mutaz Essa Barshim, Qatar's only medallist at Rio 2016, has received a hero's welcome on his return home following Olympic success ©QOC

Mutaz Essa Barshim, Qatar's only Olympic medallist at Rio 2016, has received a hero's welcome on his return home.

Barshim, who became the only Qatari ever to collect two Olympic medals when he won silver in the men's high jump, enjoyed a warm reception from the country's leading sporting authorities in the capital.

He was joined by his coach and mentor Stanisław Szczyrba after adding the Rio silver to the bronze medal he won at London 2012.

Qatar has competed in every summer Olympics since Los Angeles 1984, winning five medals in all.

Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) vice-president Sheikh Saoud Bin Ali Al Thani, Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) President Dahlan Al Hamad and QAF secretary general Mohamed Jassem Al Kuwari were all present at Hamad International Airport to greet the national hero.

At Rio 2016, Mutaz Essa Barshim won an Olympic silver medal in the high jump, his second medal having taken bronze at London 2012 ©Getty Images
At Rio 2016, Mutaz Essa Barshim won an Olympic silver medal in the high jump, his second medal having taken bronze at London 2012 ©Getty Images

Sheikh Saoud described Mutaz’s achievements as "huge" and Al Hamad praised the athlete’s overall exploits throughout his career.

"We are privileged to have in our ranks such a rare talent like Mutaz," said Al Hamad.

"What he did in Rio was outstanding, but he has yet to reach his peak, therefore we all expect more medals and honours by him in the near future."

Mutaz, who finished second in the men’s high jump Olympic final after he was beaten by Canada’s Derek Drouin by two centimetres in a dramatic and close contest, was then invited to a banquet organised by the QAF.