Paris, August 8, 2024 — Bulgarian high jumper Tihomir Ivanov has secured a spot in the men’s high jump final at the XXXIII Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
The 30-year-old athlete, making his third Olympic appearance, achieved this feat by clearing 2.24 meters on his second attempt, ensuring his place among the top 12 finalists.
Ivanov, who hails from Pleven, demonstrated consistent form throughout the qualification round. He comfortably surpassed the initial height of 2.15 meters and, after a foul on his first attempt at 2.20 meters, cleared it on his second try.
His successful jump at 2.24 meters came after another initial foul, showcasing his resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Despite failing to clear 2.27 meters in three attempts—coming closest on his final try where he brushed the bar with his spike—his overall performance was enough to secure the 12th position among the finalists.
The qualification round saw strong performances from several top athletes. World indoor champion Hamish Kerr of New Zealand and silver medalist Shelby McEwan of the USA led the qualifiers, both clearing 2.27 meters. Kerr achieved this height on his first attempt, while McEwan managed it on his second.
Mutaz Essa Barsham of Qatar, the reigning Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion, also made it to the final, clearing 2.27 meters on his second attempt after a slip at this height led to a brief injury scare.
Barsham’s friend and Tokyo 2020 co-champion, Gianmarco Tamberi from Italy, qualified with a height of 2.24 meters. Tamberi, however, struggled at 2.27 meters, failing all three attempts.
In a surprising turn of events, European runner-up Vladyslav Lavskyy from Ukraine was unable to clear 2.20 meters, thus missing out on the final. Similarly, world silver medalist JuVaughn Harrison from the USA failed to clear 2.24 meters, appearing to be in discomfort during his attempts.
Ivanov’s qualification marks a significant achievement in his athletic career. Known for his determination and skill, the Bulgarian high jumper has been a consistent performer on the international stage.
His journey in Paris adds another chapter to his Olympic story, building on his previous appearances in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
The men’s high jump final is scheduled for August 10, where Ivanov will compete against some of the best high jumpers in the world.
Fans in Bulgaria and around the globe will be eagerly watching to see if Ivanov can surpass his previous performances and potentially secure a medal.
As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on the high jump final to witness a thrilling contest among the world’s elite athletes.
Ivanov’s dedication and perseverance have already earned him a place among the top contenders, and his journey at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a testament to his hard work and athletic prowess.