by Larry Eder
Jesse Williams, 2011 WC high jump, gold medalist, photo by PhotoRun.net
Jesse Williams became the first American male to win a medal in the high jump since Charles Austin’s gold medal in 1991 (and Hollis Conway took bronze in 1991)! Jesse did it in style, taking the gold with five first attempt clearances, from 2.20m, 2.25m, 2.29m, 2.32m, 2.35m. That 2.35 meter clearance was the difference.
Jesse Williams, 2011 WC high jump, gold medalist, photo by PhotoRun.net
Jesse noted to our mixed zone reporter Gary Morgan, ” It felt great to win. I wanted to jump 2.35 meters, and I did and I won. I saw all of the second place guys jumps (Aleksey Dmitrik). It has been a long road to get here.
Jesse Williams, 2011 WC, High Jump, gold medal, photo by PhotoRun.net
“I am a persistent guy” noted Williams. “I worked really hard. My best quality is that I like working hard. The Oregon TC is the best club in the world. We have won a lot of medals here. My family was watching from all over the world. I relived what Charles Austin did twenty years ago. I watched Charles Austin win the 1996 Olympics. It was my goal.”
A little respect for the high jump, Jesse Williams, photo by PhotoRun.net
The only misses he had were at 2.37 meters, which he missed three times.
Aleksey Dmitrik, 2011 WC High Jump, silver medalist, photo by PhotoRun.net
Aleksey Dmitrik of Russia was the silver medalist. He cleared 2.35m, on his second attempt, hence his silver. Dmitrik cleared 2.20m on his first, 2.25 on his first, two attempts at 2.29m, two attempts at 2.32 meters and two attempts at 2.35 meters.
Trevor Barry of the Bahamas was the bronze medalist. His best clearance was 2.32 meter, which was his personal best. Barry cleared 2.20m, 2.25m, both on his first attempt. He passed at 2.29m, and then cleared 2.32m on his first attempt. Barry missed 2.35m on three attempts.
Jesse Williams, 2011 WC high jump, gold medal, photo by PhotoRun.net Tonight was Jesse Williams’ night, who started three straight gold medal wins for the US on Day six of the World Championships.
