On March 21, 2025 (Beijing Time), the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25 kicked off at the “Nanjing’s Cube”. In the men’s high jump final, South Korea’s WOO Sang-hyeok cleared 2.31m, equaling his season’s best to claim the gold medal.

WOO delivered an outstanding performance throughout the competition. His approach, takeoff, and clearance were seamless. Out of his five attempts, he cleared three heights (2.20m, 2.28m, and 2.31m) on the first try, securing an effortless victory. The only challenge he faced was at 2.24m, where he failed on his first attempt. This gold medal marks his strong comeback after disappointment at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he finished seventh.

The enthusiasm of the crowd left a deep impression on WOO. “Chinese fans are absolutely incredible! The cheers and applause energized me so much. I’m truly happy to have achieved such a great result today!” he said in a post-race interview. WOO added that this victory was the best reward for his dedicated training since the end of last year in preparation for this competition.

As a leading figure in Asian men’s high jump on the international stage, WOO set the South Korean national record of 2.35m at the World Athletics Championships 2022 in Eugene in Eugene, becoming a benchmark for high jump in Asia. Earlier this year, on February 9, he won the World Athletics Indoor Tour Silver meeting in Hustopeče, Czech Republic, clearing 2.31m - the best indoor mark in the world this season. Just days later, he clinched another victory at the Banska Bystrica high jump meeting in Slovakia with 2.28m, securing his third consecutive title at the event.

In the men’s high jump final, New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr took silver, while Jamaica’s Raymond Richards claimed bronze.

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