Kiwi Hamish Kerr has leaped to victory in the men's high jump at the Diamond League athletics meet in Shanghai, China.
Kerr's effort of 2.31m - 5cm short of his NZ record - was enough to secure the top of the podium, ahead of reigning Olympic champion Mutaz Essa Barshim.
Hot on the heels of last month's triumph at the world indoor championships, the result against such a formidable opponent makes another strong statement for Kerr heading into the Paris Olympics.
After sharing the gold medal at Tokyo 2020, Barshim is also the current world outdoor champion.
Kerr made his winning height on his second attempt. He subsequently failed to clear 2.33m with two attempts, then 2.35m on his final jump.
Barshim was unsuccessful with his two shots at 2.31m, then fell short again on his final attempt at 2.33m.
Kerr admits the result gives him a significant jolt of self-belief so close to departing for France.
"I've been working on a few technical things, so for that to work out tonight, I'm stoked. It wasn't perfect through 2.24m, 2.27m tonight, but I stayed patient and that is the most pleasing thing.
"Just to be out there with these athletes who I really look up to like Barshim and to beat them, I still have to pinch myself. This gives me a lot of confidence going into the season ahead."
The result is Kerr's second Diamond League victory, after his success at Stockholm last July.
Other Kiwis in action included Maddi Wesche, who finished sixth in the women's shot put with a best throw of 19.23m. Tori Peeters finished seventh in the women's javelin, recording a season-best throw of 59.11m.
