New Zealand high jump champion Hamish Kerr won gold in dramatic fashion this morning after needing a dramatic jump-off to beat his US rival.

There was great confusion because commentators thought Kerr had won gold ahead of Shelby McEwen because he had cleared an earlier height in fewer attempts.

However, since the two athletes both cleared a height of 2.36 m on their first attempt, new rules forced them to compete in a jump-off to see who would win the gold medal.

During the jump-off, the bar was lowered further and further until an athlete managed to overcome it.

Kerr and McEwen both missed at 2.38m, then at 2.36m.

At 2.34 m, McEwen missed the jump, Kerr made it and won gold.

The New Zealander then performed a joyful lap of honour around the stadium.

“It will take me a while to process this, but it’s a dream come true,” Kerr said after the win.

“Since Tokyo, we have spent so much time talking about the famous jump-off there.

“I just had a feeling that I would be in a jump-off as well and I was so reassured that it would happen. Even if I come second, I will make history.

“When I managed the jump of 2.38 m, I knew immediately that I was going to go into the jump-off. I had no doubts and was completely calm. Coming away with gold is remarkable. It’s a very special feeling.”

The competitors could also have chosen a draw and both would have received a gold medal, and that is exactly what happened at the Tokyo Olympics between Mutaz Barshim of Qatar and Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy.

Barshim took bronze with 2.34 m and Tamberi was eliminated early.