New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr produced a composed and clinical display to clinch victory in the men’s high jump at the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Rabat on Sunday, clearing 2.25m to top a fiercely competitive field.
Hamish Kerr, the Olympic and world indoor champion, arrived in Rabat determined to redeem himself after narrowly losing to Shelby McEwen. In front of an electric crowd at Stade Olympique, Kerr showcased consistency and poise, clearing each of his heights on first attempts up to 2.25m, before calling time on his evening at 2.28m.
Italy’s Marco Fassinotti, equalling his season best of 2.25m, pushed Kerr to the wire but had to settle for second place on countback. Australia’s rising star Yual Reath also impressed, recording a season best 2.25m to claim third. McEwen, however, struggled to rediscover the rhythm that earned him victory in Doha, finishing joint fifth with a best effort of 2.21m.
Speaking after his triumph, Kerr revealed the adjustments that powered his return to form.
“It is always amazing to win a Diamond League and I am very grateful for that,” Kerr said.
“I am also very happy with how my technique and season is progressing. There is still a lot more to come but for now where we are today is very good.”
Kerr shed light on the tactical shifts made since Doha, explaining how his early-season competitions typically feel slower as he transitions from heavy strength work.
“This week we were really building on that confidence through my run-up and making sure that I was building speed,” he added.
“It was nice because I was able to do it and now I am just getting a bit more impatient with my take-off. I guess you fix one thing and something else breaks so I need to work on that.”
With the next stop on the calendar being Rome, Kerr is eager to refine his speed and sharpen his take-off timing.
“Rome is next, I have ten more days to work on that speed,” he noted.
“Then I go home for a few weeks to move house before coming back to Monaco.”
After two of six qualification meetings, Kerr now leads the Diamond League high jump standings with 15 points, ahead of McEwen on 12 and Fassinotti on 10.
While the world lead remains with Ukraine’s Oleh Doroshchuk at 2.34m, the relentless battle among the top contenders promises fireworks as the series heads toward its mid-season climax.
