SAINT-DENIS - South Korean high jumper Woo Sang-hyeok finished seventh in the men's high jump final at the Paris Olympics, unable to meet his season or personal best performances.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Woo struggled to clear the bar at 2.31 meters, making three unsuccessful attempts, and ultimately recorded a finish of 2.27 meters at the Stade de France. With a personal record of 2.36 meters and a season best of 2.33 meters, expectations were high for Woo, who previously placed fourth at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. However, he faced difficulties on Saturday, only managing to clear 2.17 meters and 2.22 meters on his first tries, and required two attempts for 2.27 meters, falling short at 2.31 meters.
The event was highly competitive, with four jumpers achieving new personal bests and two setting new season-best heights. The gold medal was contested in a dramatic jump-off between Hamish Kerr of New Zealand and Shelby McEwen of the United States, both having tied at 2.36 meters. Kerr eventually triumphed by clearing 2.34 meters in the jump-off, while McEwen did not succeed. Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar clinched the bronze with a jump of 2.34 meters, marking his fourth Olympic medal.