High Jump History Made: Kerr Declines Shared Gold, Wins in Jumpoff

New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr refused to share a gold medal, opting for a jumpoff instead, making history at the Paris Olympics.

At the Tokyo Olympics, high jumpers Mutaz Essa Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi had memorably decided to share the gold medal. But Kerr had no such thoughts.

Kerr and American Shelby McEwen had tied for first place. McEwen, with aching legs and a gold medal within reach, was open to sharing the gold. However, Kerr had made up his mind to jump off.

Kerr explained that he wanted to create a different moment in high jump history, rather than replicate the shared gold of Barshim and Tamberi.

After several missed jumps, Kerr cleared 2.34 meters, securing the gold medal. McEwen, though disappointed to lose the gold, expressed appreciation for Kerr’s decision.

McEwen, who had an improbable journey to the Olympics, having started high jump late, was still proud of his silver medal and personal best.

Kerr’s decision not to share the gold adds another chapter to the storied history of high jump.