Paris, August 10, 2024 – The men’s high jump at the Paris 2024 Olympics proved to be another nail-biter, just as it was in Tokyo 2020. New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr emerged victorious after a tense jump-off against Team USA’s Shelby McEwen, securing the gold medal with a height of 2.34m.
Both athletes finished the event tied at 2.38m, leading to a jump-off to determine the winner. Kerr, 27, cleared 2.34m on his first attempt during the extra rounds, ultimately earning New Zealand its first-ever Olympic gold medal in the high jump. It also marks New Zealand’s first Olympic medal in this event.
McEwen, who finished with silver, achieved a notable result for the U.S., marking the country’s first high jump medal since Erik Kynard’s gold at London 2012. The American and Kerr had both cleared 2.36m in the final but were tied on the number of misses leading up to that height, necessitating the jump-off.
“I am just in shock,” Kerr admitted after the competition. Reflecting on the jump-off, he added, “We were getting a little bit tired after all the jumps we took, but I knew I had a good one in me.”
The jump-off was a dramatic conclusion to the event, with McEwen expressing his desire to compete for gold: “I wanted to go for the jump-off for the gold medal.”
Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim, the reigning co-Olympic champion, secured the bronze medal. This result marks his fourth consecutive Olympic medal, making him the most decorated high jumper in Olympic history.
Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi, the other reigning champion, finished in 11th place. Tamberi had faced health challenges leading up to the Games, which impacted his performance in Paris.
