SAINT-DENIS — South Korean high jump star Woo Sang-hyeok has successfully qualified for the Paris Olympic final, setting the stage to potentially secure South Korea's first medal in the event. Competing at Stade de France, Woo tied for third place in Wednesday's qualification round alongside Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar, the reigning co-gold medalist, each clearing a height of 2.27 meters.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Woo cleared early heights of 2.15m, 2.20m, and 2.24m on his first attempt and surpassed 2.27m on his second attempt, securing his spot among the top 12 finalists from an original field of 31 jumpers. The final is scheduled for Saturday at the main stadium, where Woo will compete for the top honors.
The qualification round saw Shelby McEwen of the United States achieving the highest clearance at 2.27 meters without a miss, while New Zealand's Hamish Kerr, ranking second, needed three attempts to clear 2.20m. Despite a challenging start, including an apparent calf cramp during his initial jump at 2.27m, Barshim managed to clear the bar and join Woo in third place.
Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy, who shared Olympic gold with Barshim in Tokyo 2021, finished tied for sixth at 2.24m. Woo, holding a personal best and national record of 2.36m, aims to surpass his previous Olympic performances, having finished fourth in Tokyo and not qualifying for the final in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.