American Shelby McEwen narrowly missed out on gold in the men's Olympic high jump after losing a tiebreaker to New Zealand's Hamish Kerr. The thrilling competition saw both athletes clear 2.39 meters, with McEwen attempting 2.45 meters three times but failing.
The men's Olympic high jump competition at the Tokyo Olympics reached its climax on Sunday, as American Shelby McEwen and New Zealand's Hamish Kerr engaged in a heart-pounding tiebreaker that ultimately awarded gold to Kerr.
McEwen, the former world champion, and Kerr, the Commonwealth Games champion, had both cleared 2.35 meters and then 2.39 meters on their first attempts, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. However, McEwen's three attempts at 2.45 meters fell short, leaving Kerr to take the gold medal.
New Zealand's Hamish Kerr Wins Men's Olympic High Jump Gold in Thrilling Tiebreaker
The tiebreaker was a nail-biting affair, with Kerr clearing the bar at 2.37 meters on his first attempt. McEwen, who had already cleared 2.39 meters, was left with one final attempt at 2.45 meters.
McEwen's first two attempts at 2.45 meters were close, but the bar remained in place. On his third and final attempt, McEwen's run-up was flawless, and he soared over the bar, clearing it with room to spare. However, it was not enough to secure the gold medal, as Kerr had already cleared it on his first attempt.
Kerr's victory marked New Zealand's first gold medal in the men's high jump at the Olympics. McEwen, who had been favored to win, had to settle for silver, while Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi and Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim shared the bronze medal after both clearing 2.37 meters.
McEwen's performance was still remarkable, as he had to overcome a number of injuries in the lead-up to the Olympics. He had suffered a torn hamstring and a torn Achilles tendon in the past year, but he managed to recover in time to compete in Tokyo.
Kerr's victory was a testament to his resilience and determination. He had also suffered injuries in the past, including a broken ankle in 2018. However, he worked hard to regain his form and ultimately achieved his Olympic dream.
The men's Olympic high jump competition was a thrilling spectacle, with the top athletes pushing themselves to their limits. Kerr and McEwen's tiebreaker was a fitting conclusion to a memorable event.
