Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News

New Zealander Hamish Kerr Wins Historic High Jump Gold Medal

Hamish Kerr look's to the crowd after making the jump

New Zealander Hamish Kerr made history by securing his country's first-ever high jump medal at the Paris Summer Olympics. Kerr and American high jumper Shelby McEwan both successfully cleared 2.36 meters but faltered at 2.38 meters during the competition at the Stade de France.

Instead of opting to share the gold medal, Kerr and McEwan decided to engage in a jump-off after consulting with an Olympic official. Despite their best efforts, both athletes failed to clear the 2.38-meter height in the subsequent attempts.

Kerr and McEwan both clear 2.36 meters but falter at 2.38 meters.
Hamish Kerr secures New Zealand's first high jump medal at Paris Olympics.
Jump-off between Kerr and McEwan ends without a clear winner.

With the bar lowered to 2.36 meters, both jumpers faced exhaustion but persisted in their pursuit. Unfortunately, they were unable to clear the bar at this height as well. The bar was then adjusted to 2.34 meters, and McEwan's unsuccessful attempt left Kerr with the opportunity to clinch the gold medal.

Kerr seized the moment and successfully cleared the 2.34-meter height, securing the coveted gold medal. McEwan settled for the silver medal, while Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim claimed the bronze in the high jump event.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.