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.
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.
