There was high-flying drama in the men’s high jump on Friday night at the Diamond League meeting in Doha, with American star Shelby McEwen soaring to a confidence-boosting victory. The USA’s Olympic silver medallist outdueled New Zealand’s Paris 2024 champion Hamish Kerr.
Back in Paris, McEwen and Kerr had found themselves locked in a tense battle at the top, with both athletes tied and offered the chance to share the gold, a moment reminiscent of the iconic joint gold at Tokyo 2020. But unlike that historic occasion, Kerr opted to keep jumping, and McEwen agreed. The result: a Kiwi Olympic title, and a silver medal for the American.
Fast forward to Doha, and McEwen came determined to flip the script. On a humid night at the Qatar Sports Club, McEwen cleared 2.26m to secure the win, while Kerr managed a best of 2.23m.
Speaking after the competition, McEwen reflected on the journey since Paris and what the win in Doha means to him.
“I am pretty satisfied with my jumps. It has been a long two weeks here in Doha waiting and coming up for the major competition. Finishing last year with an Olympic medal was a huge moment for me so I took a lot of time off to recover. I enjoyed the time with family, so I’ve been able to come out here for the 2025 season and give 110 per cent effort.”
The 28-year-old American credited the win with giving him a huge self-confidence boost, setting the tone for a demanding season ahead.
“I am healthy and I have the win, so it means a lot. This highly boosts my self-confidence and moves me forward one more major league. I am off to Rabat next and I just look forward to finishing the tour and heading back home for rest and recovery, just to prepare for the second half of the season.”
McEwen, who has long admired Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim, the reigning Olympic champion and high jump icon, expressed his gratitude at competing on Barshim’s home turf.
“It was an honour to compete on the home soil of Barshim. I have been looking up to him for so many years.”
With the Doha win behind him, McEwen is now setting his sights even higher, quite literally.
“I do feel like I have the potential to jump 2.40m and plus in the future.”
Should he achieve that, McEwen would join an elite club of high jumpers to clear the 2.40m mark, a feat only a handful of athletes have managed in the sport’s history.
For now, though, the American leaves Doha with the win, a renewed sense of purpose, and his eyes fixed firmly on the bar ahead.
