The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat: McEwen’s Brave Call
Shelby McEwen’s decision to opt for a jump-off against Hamish Kerr in the men’s high jump final at Paris 2024 sparked controversy among fans, with some praising his bold move and others questioning his sanity. However, McEwen stands by his choice, insisting that he has no regrets.
‘I think it’s just the way it’s meant to be,’ McEwen said in a press conference on Sunday. ‘If it was meant to be, it would’ve been.’
The jump-off, which McEwen ultimately lost, has left some fans feeling that he was foolish to pass up the chance to share the gold medal with Kerr. However, McEwen remains steadfast in his decision, believing that the only way to truly be a champion is to win outright.
‘I mean, hey, he got the gold, and I got the silver,’ McEwen said, gracious in defeat. ‘At the end of the day, we all want to be champions, and the only respectful thing to do is walk away with one champion.’
McEwen and Kerr in action during the men’s high jump final
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen athletes in a similar situation, of course. Back in Tokyo, Gianmarco Tamberi and Mutaz Essa Barshim opted to share the gold in an amazing display of sportsmanship. However, McEwen and Kerr’s decision to take the competition to a jump-off added a thrilling layer of unpredictability to the event.
Tamberi and Barshim’s incredible shared gold in Tokyo
‘He’s an amazing guy,’ Kerr said of McEwen in a post-competition interview. ‘We just looked at each other and nodded, and we both knew we were going to make history.’
It’s clear that both McEwen and Kerr are athletes who embody the spirit of competition, each willing to put everything on the line in pursuit of greatness.
‘I’m pretty sure Shelby was in the same mindset,’ Kerr said, reflecting on the decision to go for the jump-off. ‘We just wanted to add to the story.’
While some may question McEwen’s decision, one thing is certain – his bravery and conviction are an inspiration to us all.
The world of high jump: where bravery meets skill
Read more on the Paris 2024 Olympics here, including live updates from our team on the ground.
