Kerr claims world high jump title in Tokyo

Image: Getty Images, courtesy of World Athletics

In the clutch moment of the men’s high jump at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, Olympic champion Hamish Kerr summoned his best jump of the year, and then tapped the sides of his head.

The message was clear – the strength was in his mind rather than his body – as he duelled with Woo Sanghyeok, both men seeking their first world outdoor title.

Until that instant, it was Korea’s Woo who had looked the superior competitor, but Kerr deflated his hopes with one brilliant jump to clear 2.36m, which settled the argument and delivered New Zealand its second gold medal in as many days. 

While Geordie Beamish was the underdog in the previous day’s 3000m steeplechase final, Kerr had the pressure of favouritism on Tuesday (16). Fittingly, his triumph confirmed this as New Zealand’s greatest performance at the World Athletics Championships, the first time the Shaky Isles have won two gold medals at a single edition.

“Today I had to fight for the gold. It was not an easy final for me,” said Kerr. “Many times I thought I wouldn't win, but being able to fight and not give up is important.

“Geordie (Beamish) and I won world indoor titles on the same day. He gave me a kick after his win last night, so I had to win, too. It's really cool to share our best moments together.

“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. All the boys shocked me. This competition was very, very special. Winning when the guys aren't jumping well isn't fun, so to be able to fight against guys for the gold was special.”

Until the World Championships produced a compelling climax, the men’s high jump had yet to catch fire this year.

Kerr had only cleared 2.33m before arriving in Tokyo, but courtesy of one bravura performance he now ends his season as the world champion, world leader, Diamond League champion and history-maker – as the first New Zealander to win this world title.

The charismatic Woo bounced back from a mid-season calf injury to record his best finish at the World Championships, the silver (2.34m) improving on the bronze medal he won in 2022.

Czech athlete Jan Stefela (2.31m) broke through to claim his first global medal, snatching the bronze from Ukraine’s Oleh Doroshchuk on countback.

With five men in the 2.33m to 2.34m range this season, including Kerr, this shaped as a particularly close contest.

There were still seven men in the competition when the bar was raised to 2.31m, but that height immediately began sorting out the contenders. All seven missed their first attempts.

Woo leaped into pole position with a second-time clearance and Stefela temporarily pushed Kerr down to third place when he also cleared on the second attempt.

Kerr and Doroshchuk both made the height on their third attempts to stay in the hunt for the podium.

At 2.34m, there were four men vying for three medals. All missed on their first attempts, although Kerr was tantalisingly close, the bar wavering before deciding to fall.

At third attempts, it was Woo who stepped up, using his superior speed to propel him over the bar. However, Kerr then matched him to send the competition to the next height.

Stefela and Doroshchuk were both eliminated, the Czech athlete sealing the bronze by virtue of his earlier clearance at 2.31m.

Kerr then summoned his best leap of the competition to soar over 2.36m at the first attempt, setting a world lead and equalling the Oceanian record he set to win his first global title at the 2024 World Indoor Championships.

That forced Woo to lift the bar to 2.38m, but it was a bridge too far and he was confirmed as the silver medallist.

This final did not feature either of the men who shared the gold medal in this stadium three years ago, in what was one of the most memorable moments of the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Mutaz Essa Barshim remains injured, while Gianmarco Tamberi has yet to regain his form after a long layoff with a back injury. Tamberi was a shadow of his 2021 self, bowing out in qualifying after he failed to clear 2.21m, and said he was disappointed that he and Mutaz were not able to reproduce their 2021 heroics. 

“This was not my day, not my championships,” Tamberi said. “The season was very difficult because I was struggling with so much pain and injuries. Mutaz is in a similar situation. Hopefully, I can get back soon. I will send a message to Mutaz. We are very good friends and we always contact each other and support ourselves.”

Story by: Nicole Jeffery for World Athletics