Hamish Kerr made history by winning New Zealand’s second gold medal in just two days at the World Athletics Championships. Kerr jumped 2.36 meters to take the top spot in the men’s high jump event, thrilling a crowd of 37,000 at Tokyo’s National Stadium.
His win followed teammate Geordie Beamish’s surprise gold in the 3000m steeplechase on Monday. Kerr said Beamish’s victory inspired him to push harder. “He gave me a kick in my ass after his win,” Kerr joked. “So I had to win too!”
South Korea’s Sanghyeok Woo took the silver with a jump of 2.34 meters. He skipped trying 2.36m and instead aimed for 2.38m, but missed. Czech athlete Jan Stefela won bronze with 2.31m.
Kerr admitted it wasn’t an easy competition. “Many times I thought I wouldn’t win,” he said. “But I fought hard and didn’t give up.”
He also praised his fellow jumpers, saying the close contest made the win more meaningful. Kerr celebrated his victory by running around the track, cheered on by excited fans.
This win adds to Kerr’s earlier success in 2024, when he also won the world indoor title. Now, with back-to-back golds for New Zealand, it’s a proud moment for Kiwi athletics.
