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Watch: Moment Kerr wins gold in epic high jump final jump-off

August 11, 2024

Kiwi high jump champ Hamish Kerr won gold in dramatic fashion this morning, needing a dramatic jump-off to beat his US rival.

There was much confusion as commentators thought Kerr had won gold over Shelby McEwen due to the fact he cleared an earlier height in less attempts.

However, with the two athletes both clearing 2.36m on their first attempt, new rules meant they entered a jump-off to see who would win gold.

In the jump-off the bar would continually be lowered until one of the athletes managed to clear it.

Kerr and McEwen both missed at 2.38m, then at 2.36m.

At 2.34m McEwen missed and Kerr cleared it to win gold.

The Kiwi then took off around the stadium in a joyous lap of honour.

"I'm going to be processing this one for a while but it's a dream come true," Kerr said after the win.

"Since Tokyo we've spent so much time talking about the famous jump-off there.

"I just had this feeling I'll be part of a jump-off as well and I was so at peace if it happened, even if I come second, I'll be adding to history.

"As soon as I finished that 2.38m jump I knew straight away we were going to the jump-off. There was no doubt in my mind and I was at peace. To come away with a gold is remarkable. It's such a special feeling."

The competitors could have chosen to tie and both would have received a gold medal, which is exactly what happened at the Tokyo Olympics between Mutaz Barshim of Qatar and Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy.

Barshim took the bronze at 2.34m and Tamberi was eliminated early on.

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