One giant leap ... for $25,000
World indoor champion Hamish Kerr has a chance to lay down an early marker for the Paris Olympics and chase a $25,000 prize, against the world’s best high jumpers, in Qatar tomorrow (2.40am NZT).
The Canterbury-based New Zealand recordholder takes on a star-studded field in the What Gravity Challenge in Doha – 13 weeks out from when Olympic medals are up for grabs at Stade de France on August 10.
The invitation event at the spectacular Katara Amphitheatre in Doha was organised by Qatar high jump legend Mutaz Barshim, the reigning Olympic champion and three-time world champion.
Kerr was invited to join the 12-strong field, which includes a trio of 2.40m-plus jumpers and the reigning world and Olympicchampions.
The 27-year-old will be confident of a competitive showing on his 2024 form.
He won the world indoor title in Glasgow with a world-leading jump and national record of 2.36m, then further cemented his status within the high jumping ranks by defeating Barshim to win the Suzhou Diamond League in China with a clearance of 2.31m.
Adding to the lure of the event is a US$15,000 (NZ$25,000) prize for the winner.
In Paris, all track and field events will feature a US$50,000 (about NZ$83,000) bonus for the gold medallist in a first for World Athletics.
Kerr said: “It is an amazing event to be a part of, and outside of a major championship you are not likely to see a more stacked field.”
Barshim is the all-time world No 2 with a best of 2.43m. Also entered is the reigning joint holder of the Olympic title and current world champion Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy, who competes in his first competition of the year.
Also in the field are JuVaughn Harrison of the US, a 2.36m jumper like Kerr, and world silver medallist from last year, as well as Sanghyeok Woo of South Korea, who finished third to Kerr in Glasgow in March.