Barshim vs. Kerr High Jump Showdown in Suzhou: Olympic and World Champions Clash
Get ready for the thrilling high jump showdown between Mutaz Barshim and Hamish Kerr in Suzhou. Barshim aims to defend his Olympic title against Kerr, the world indoor champion setting the world alight with his recent achievements. Don’t miss this exciting clash of high jump titans!
Olympic Champion Mutaz Barshim to Face Off Against World Indoor Champion Hamish Kerr in Thrilling High Jump Showdown
Olympic champion Mutaz Barshim will face off against world indoor champion Hamish Kerr in a thrilling high jump showdown in Suzhou on April 27th. The global gold medallists are set to go head-to-head in the second Wanda Diamond League meeting of the season.
New Zealand’s Kerr, the world leader, cleared 2.36m to claim his maiden global title at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow earlier this month. He will be eager to maintain his momentum against the experienced Barshim in May.
Qatar’s three-time world champion Barshim has prioritized training for his Olympic title defense later this year, having not competed since winning his third Asian Games title in October. The Suzhou event will be a crucial indicator of his form as he aims to become the first to ever win two men’s Olympic high jump titles.
“I’m happy to be back in China to start my new season. Last year I finished my season in China at the Asian Games and it was a fantastic atmosphere and support. I have never been to Suzhou but I am looking forward to visiting and competing there, and looking forward to a great competition.”
- Mutaz Barshim
Kerr, the Oceanian record-holder, has been quickly building an impressive resume of his own. In 2022, he backed up his world indoor bronze with Commonwealth Games gold and kicked off 2023 with a victory in the Stockholm Diamond League event. The 27-year-old will be determined to close the gap on Barshim’s three-time Diamond League overall title and 23 individual event wins.
“I’m looking forward to making my first ever trip to China a successful one. After jumping 2.36m at World Indoors, I know I am in great shape leading into the meeting. I can’t wait to compete against some of the other best jumpers in the world, in front of what will be an amazing crowd.”
- Hamish Kerr
The Suzhou meeting will also feature world pole vault record-holder Mondo Duplantis, who is also scheduled to compete in the first Diamond League event of the season in Xiamen on April 20th.
🔗 Source
