The men's high jump is set to produce one of the most compelling technical contests of Birmingham 2026, with a fascinating mix of established stars and emerging talent all capable of clearing beyond 2.30m.
Ukraine's Oleh Doroshchuk arrives as the European leader after another outstanding campaign, but Czechia's Jan Štefela, home favourite Kimani Jack and mercurial Italian Gianmarco Tamberi are also among an intriguing entry list.
European record – Patrik Sjöberg (SWE) and Carlo Thränhardt (GER) 2.42m
European lead – Oleh Doroshchuk (UKR) 2.33m
Championships record – Gianmarco Tamberi (ITA) 2.37m
Rome 2024 medallists:
1. Gianmarco Tamberi (ITA) 2.37m
2. Vladyslav Lavskyy (UKR) 2.29m
3. Oleh Doroshchuk (UKR) 2.26m
Five names to watch:
- Oleh Doroshchuk (UKR)
- Jan Štefela (CZE)
- Kimani Jack (GBR)
- Gianmarco Tamberi (ITA)
- Mateusz Kołodziejski (POL)
Oleh Doroshchuk has developed into Europe's premier high jumper. The reigning European and world indoor champion has once again topped the continental rankings, clearing a world-class 2.33m this season to underline his remarkable consistency.
Now 25, the Ukrainian arrives in Birmingham aiming to add the outdoor European title to his growing collection of indoor honours.
Jan Štefela enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last year, winning European indoor silver before claiming a surprise world bronze.
After setting a personal best of 2.33m in 2025, the Czech star has backed it up this season by clearing 2.32m, confirming his place among Europe's very best.
The breakout high jumper of 2026 could well be Great Britain's Kimani Jack. The British record holder has raised his personal best by 10cm to 2.31m this season, establishing himself among Europe's elite. Competing in front of a home crowd at Alexander Stadium, he will believe he has a genuine opportunity to win his first major championship medal.
No men's high jump preview would be complete without Gianmarco Tamberi.
The charismatic Italian remains one of the biggest names in global athletics, with an Olympic title, world title and multiple European crowns already to his name. Injury has stalled his progress since he memorably defended his European title in Rome two years ago with a championship record of 2.37m.
Having only recently returned to competition, Tamberi has little recent form to draw upon. However, few athletes can match his ability to produce their best when championship medals are on the line.
Poland's Mateusz Kołodziejski won world U20 bronze and European U20 silver in 2021. Now 24 and having improved to 2.30m this season, he is maturing into a genuine contender at senior level and cannot be discounted.