Oxford’s McEwen Wins Silver in Exciting High Jump at 2024 Paris Olympics
In a thrilling high jump competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Saturday, Oxford native Shelby McEwen secured a silver medal, clearing a height of 2.36 meters. This mark has not only set a new personal best for McEwen but also established area records, showcasing his talent on the world stage.
A Nail-Biting Final
The final on Saturday was a nail-biting affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats. McEwen faced tough competition from Hamish Kerr of New Zealand. Both athletes found it challenging at the next height of 2.38 meters, failing to clear it on all three attempts. Despite having the option to share the gold medal, they opted for a jump-off.
The jump-off turned out to be incredibly tense, with both McEwen and Kerr struggling to find their rhythm. After eleven unsuccessful attempts during the regular competition and the jump-off, Kerr finally managed to clear 2.34 meters, securing the gold medal, while McEwen took home the silver.
Building on Past Success
This achievement comes on the heels of a successful year for both athletes. Earlier in 2024, they had both won gold and silver, respectively, at the World Indoor Championships held in Glasgow. It is worth noting that Mutaz Essa Barshim from Qatar clinched the bronze in the Olympic final, adding another impressive name to this competitive lineup.
McEwen’s Athletic Journey
Shelby McEwen’s journey in athletics began at Oxford High School, where he skillfully balanced both basketball and track from 2013 to 2015. After graduating in 2015, he took his talents to Northwest Mississippi Community College, where he excelled further in track and basketball. His hard work and determination paid off when he earned a scholarship to the University of Alabama from 2017 to 2019. During his time there, he received numerous awards, including All-American and All-SEC honors.
McEwen also represented Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where he finished 12th in the high jump. With this silver medal win in Paris, he has now become the second Olympic silver medalist from the Oxford area, following in the footsteps of former Ole Miss star Sam Kendricks, who secured a silver medal in the men’s pole vault event just last week.
Community Pride
The Oxford community is undoubtedly proud of Shelby McEwen’s accomplishments. His journey from a high school athlete to an Olympic silver medalist serves as an inspiration to young athletes in the area. As he continues to break records and achieve amazing feats in high jump, McEwen remains a shining example of dedication and excellence in sports.
As the Olympic Games progress, fans around the world are eager to see what other surprises and performances await. For now, the spotlight is on McEwen, who proves that hard work and determination can lead to incredible heights.
