Erik Kynard, Jr.
Born: Toledo, Ohio

Graduated: Toledo (Ohio) Rogers H.S., 2009 / Kansas State Univ., 2013

In 2012, Erik Kynard Jr. was the best high jumper in the world.

Although that fact took years to be recognized by the International Olympic Committee, the Kansas State alum is now a gold medalist.

Representing the United States at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Kynard cleared the height of7 feet, 7 3⁄4 inches for second place. A positive drug test, however, led to the original winner’s disqualification in 2021. At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Kynard finally received his gold medal during a ceremony in
front of the Eiffel Tower.

“I would not sum it up as making me whole for what I lost,” Kynard said after the reallocation ceremony. “Rather, it’s like I told a joke 12 years ago, and the world is just now starting to get it.” Still, Kynard was able to relish the accomplishment with his young sons, fiancée, mother and his coach at Kansas State, Cliff Rovelto.

“These athletes competed fairly throughout their careers in the true spirit of the Olympic Games,”
International Olympic Committee Member Emma Terho said. “I am pleased that we’ve been able to
celebrate them in a location befitting their achievements and that they have enjoyed a special
experience with their families here in Paris.”

Kynard was born Feb. 3, 1991, in Toledo, Ohio. He flourished in the high jump at Rogers High School in Toledo, winning two Ohio state championships. He also won two Nike Indoor national titles and one Nike
Outdoor national championship. As a 17-year-old, he competed in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials.

After high school, the success continued at Kansas State University. With the Wildcats, Kynard was a four-time Indoor All-American and a four-time Outdoor All-American. He was the NCAA Outdoor champion in 2012 and 2013.

Kynard’s top heights, however, were achieved on the international stage. While still a student at Kansas State, he earned a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics. He also earned bronze medals at the 2014 and 2016
World Indoor Championships. He took sixth at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio.