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Kerr soars to Diamond League glory in Zurich
Kieran Bingham • August 29th, 2025 9:12 am
Hamish Kerr | Photo: Photosport
Hamish Kerr’s rise continues, with the Kiwi high jumper adding another major title to his growing resume: his first-ever Diamond League overall crown.
The 2024 Olympic champion was all class in Zurich on Friday morning (NZT), clearing 2.32 metres in the men’s high jump final to clinch the season-long Diamond League title.
The mark was just four centimetres off his personal best, and one shy of his highest jump this year, showing he’s hitting peak form at just the right time.
He edged out Ukraine’s Oleh Doroshchuk, who cleared 2.30 metres, and American JuVaughn Harrison, who finished third at 2.25, to stand alone on top of the podium.
The Zurich final wrapped up the 2025 Diamond League season, bringing together the top athletes from the year’s circuit.
Conditions at Letzigrund Stadium were a little uncertain heading into the night, with cool temperatures and damp patches threatening consistency - but Kerr handled them like a seasoned pro.
“Of the titles I have, this is definitely up there in terms of importance and feeling for me,” Kerr said.
“It’s pretty special for our country. We’ve had a few Diamond League winners, Tom Walsh and Val Adams, to name a couple. To have another one, especially in the jumps, is very special.”
The 29-year-old was in good spirits after the win, though he joked about the logistics of taking the trophy home.
“The trophy is going to have a long journey home. Hopefully my baggage allowance will allow for that,” he laughed.
Despite his impressive form, Kerr says there’s still more to come - and that’s a warning shot for his rivals ahead of next month’s world champs.
“There’s always things to fix, but also when you're jumping well, it makes those fixes easier. I'm very confident with how my jumping is progressing, and I think that come Tokyo, I am going to be even better.”
All eyes now turn to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, which begin on September 13.
Hamish Kerr on breaking the daunting 22-year-old world high jump record | Scotty & Izzy
