HIGH JUMP
DEREK DROUIN’S slow, bounding approach to the bar belies his ability to clear huge heights. The slow-motion-style technique allows him to avoid losing energy in his straight leg on take-off and in Rio it helped him beat Mutaz Essa Barshim and Bohdan Bondarenko as he took gold with 2.38m.
Four years ago in London, he shared bronze with Robbie Grabarz and here the Briton finished equal fourth with Andriy Protsenko of Ukraine. “It’s the most punishing place to finish,” said Grabarz, who jumped 2.33m, “but fourth in the Olympics is still pretty special and if someone said even six weeks ago that you’re going to come fourth I’d have been really chuffed.”