Athletics: Kerr leaves Commonwealth Games high jump title defence up in the air

Hamish Kerr of New Zealand celebrates winning the Men’s High Jump final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. — Hamish Kerr’s participation at the 2026 Commonwealth Games is up in the air.

High jumper Hamish Kerr will travel to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, but whether he will attempt to defend his title remains uncertain.

The Olympic and world champion was last month named among the 21 track and field athletes for the Games, which start on 23 July, despite not having competed internationally this season.

Over the weekend Kerr took to social media to explain.

“A couple of months ago, the demands of the last few seasons finally caught up with me, so I made the decision to take a break from training,” he wrote.

“Since returning, I’ve been really encouraged by the progress I’m making and am feeling positive about where things are heading. I’m excited and hopeful that I’ll be back competing again soon. Thanks for all the support.”

Checkpoint — Cyptic message from Kerr raises Commonwealth Games question

A spokesperson for Athletics New Zealand told RNZ Kerr will be at the Games, but a decision on whether he contests the high jump, which starts on 27 July will be made “closer to the time”.

The national body said they were not caught out by Kerr’s message to his fans. He remains entered in the event, with a final decision on whether he lines up in qualifying coming down to “how he feels”.

“It is for him to make the call,” the spokesperson said.

A final decision can be made as late as the start of qualifying, which begins in the early hours of the morning New Zealand time.

Since winning gold at the last Commonwealth Games in 2022, Kerr has won an indoor world champion title, become an Olympic champion and won gold at the World Athletics Championships.

Kerr, who is based in Christchurch, was last in action at the New Zealand Track and Field Championships in March where he cleared 2.28 metres to win his 10th national title.

Middle distance runner Sam Ruthe, who was another potential Commonwealth Games medal contender, has opted to focus on the European season after suffering a stress fracture in his leg.

If he does not compete in Glasgow, Kerr could instead target the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September.