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'Not quite ready': Hamish Kerr withdraws from Commonwealth Games
Sport Nation • July 27th, 2026 7:14 am
Hamish Kerr celebrates winning the Gold in the Men's High Jump at Alexander Stadium, Birmingham | Photo: Photosport
Hamish Kerr has ruled himself out of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, choosing patience over a rushed return to the high jump runway.
The Birmingham 2022 gold medallist said the call was difficult, but necessary, after an intense few years left him needing to reset both mentally and physically.
“After a successful, yet incredibly demanding few years, I came into 2026 feeling motivated and excited for the season ahead,” Kerr said.
“Early in the year I felt a bit burnt out and needing to take a step back to reset both mentally and physically. Since then, I’ve been back training and feel I’m making encouraging progress.”
Kerr and his team had been pushing to be ready for Glasgow, but ultimately decided he was not where he needed to be.
“My team and I were working hard to be ready in time for Glasgow 2026 and while I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made, we’ve agreed I'm not quite ready to compete,” he said.
It is a significant withdrawal for the New Zealand team, with Kerr one of the country’s leading athletics names and a proven performer on the Commonwealth stage.
Hamish Kerr on breaking the daunting 22-year-old world high jump record | Scotty & Izzy
“The Commonwealth Games means a great amount to me,” Kerr said.
“I have fond memories growing up watching the Melbourne 2006 and Gold Coast 2018 Games with my family, as well as Birmingham 2022 when I won my first international gold medal.”
New Zealand Team Chef de Mission Nigel Avery backed Kerr’s decision, saying the high jumper’s standards remain as high as ever.
“Hamish is an exceptional athlete and a valued leader within both the New Zealand Team and Athletics New Zealand,” Avery said.
“We fully support his decision and his process to get to this point.”
Avery said Kerr’s withdrawal reflected the mindset that has driven his career.
“Hamish has built his career on striving for excellence and performing at the highest level,” he said.
“While this was a hard decision, it speaks to the standards he holds himself to and the competitor he is.”
Kerr is believed to be close to a return to competition, potentially within the coming weeks, and said he will now throw his support behind the rest of the New Zealand team in Glasgow.
“I feel I’m moving in the right direction and I'm excited for what's ahead,” Kerr said.
Izzy Dagg sits down with Hamish Kerr and Tom Walsh over a feed of fish and chips | Sport Nation
