High jumpers Hamish Kerr and Shelby McEwen refuse to split gold – three years after sharing top spot

High jumpers Hamish Kerr and Shelby McEwen refused to share Olympic gold – three years after two athletes shared top spot on the podium after deciding against a jump-off.

New Zealander Kerr and McEwen, an American, both failed at three attempts to clear 2.36 meters in a jump that would have given either gold.

They were then asked whether they would want to share gold but refused, with McEwen telling an official: “We jump.”

Three years ago there was huge controversy when Gianmarco Tamberi and Mutaz Essa Barshim decided to both be awarded the gold medal in the exact same circumstances. On that occasion, both athletes had failed to clear 2.39m but asked ‘can we share gold’ when they were discussing the situation with officials.