Hamish Kerr Claims World High Jump Gold, Adding to Olympic Glory

New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr captured the world high jump title on July 25, 2023, marking a significant achievement as he added this prestigious crown to his Olympic title. The 29-year-old athlete displayed remarkable determination after previously failing to qualify for the finals at the last two world championships.

Kerr matched his personal best of 2.34 meters with his first jump, igniting a wave of celebration when his closest rival, South Korea’s Woo Sang-hyeok, could not clear the same height. “I am stoked with the gold and stoked with the way I did it. That’s something I am going to look back on,” Kerr stated following his victory. He acknowledged the challenges he faced during the competition, admitting, “Many times I thought I wouldn’t win. But being able to fight and not give up is important.”

Woo, aiming to secure South Korea’s first-ever outdoor world championship gold, finished with a silver medal after achieving the height on his third attempt. “I do not want to stop now,” Woo remarked, expressing his ambitions for the 2027 World Championships in Beijing. “I want to fight for another medal there. Maybe silvers are enough for me.”

Kerr’s decisive jump proved crucial, as he responded with a timely leap at the same height of 2.34 meters, matching the jump that secured him the Olympic title in Paris the previous year. The crowd erupted in applause as he made the leap, underscoring the electric atmosphere of the contest.

The bronze medal went to Czech athlete Jan Stefela, who edged out Ukraine’s Oleh Doroshchuk on countback after both cleared 2.31 meters. They struggled to surpass the 2.34 meter mark in three attempts, but their efforts showcased the high level of competition throughout the event.

The absence of notable champions such as Mutaz Barshim, a three-time gold medalist who withdrew due to a foot injury, and Gianmarco Tamberi, the defending champion who did not qualify, opened the field for a first-time winner. Additionally, American Shelby McEwen, who secured silver behind Kerr in Paris, also failed to advance to the finals.

Kerr emphasized that the absence of some leading athletes did not diminish the competition’s intensity. “The thing about the high jump I love most is being able to perform and put on a good show. We definitely did it tonight,” he noted. He expressed his appreciation for competing against skilled opponents, saying, “Winning when the guys aren’t jumping well isn’t fun, so to be able to fight against guys for the gold was special.”

In a notable display of camaraderie, Kerr celebrated another New Zealand victory when Geordie Beamish won the 3000 meters steeplechase the night before. “Geordie and I have won the world indoor titles on the same day,” Kerr remarked. “He gave me a kick in my ass after his win last night so I had to win too. It’s really kind of cool to share our best moments together.”

With Kerr’s victory, New Zealand secured its first gold medal at the championships, highlighting the nation’s growing prominence in global athletics. As the spotlight now turns to future competitions, Kerr’s triumph stands as a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity.