Two athletes throw the same distance. Who is placed higher?
I · Intermediate · The competition · 4 of 6If two athletes have the same best distance, their second-best throws are compared, then their third-best, then the next. If every throw matches, it is a tie and they share the place. That applies to first place as well. There is no jump-off.
How it works
- The rule: "the second best performance of the athletes having the same best performances shall determine whether there has been a tie". If needed the third best is compared, then the fourth and the rest in turn.
- Still level: "it shall be determined to be a tie".
- Any place: "in the case of a tie for any place, including first place, the tie shall remain".
- Fouls: a failed trial has no distance, so an athlete with fewer valid throws runs out of throws to compare sooner.
- Why every throw is measured: any valid trial may be needed to break a tie, which is why judges measure them all.
Tricky cases
Two athletes share the same best distance. One has a longer second-best throw than the other. Who wins?
The athlete with the longer second-best throw.
One athlete has only one valid throw and it equals a rival's best. Who is ahead?
The rival, if they have any other valid throw. A second-best performance beats none.
Is there a jump-off if the tie cannot be broken?
No. The tie remains, for first place as for any other.
Why the rule exists
The second-best throw is evidence of who threw better across the competition, and it costs no extra time. Because the six trials are already a full contest, the rule accepts a tie that survives all of them.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 25.22 |
| High jump and pole vault | Countback on failures, with a possible jump-off for first place | TR 26.8; TR 26.9 |
| A tie for the last place in the top eight | All the tied athletes get the additional trials | TR 25.6 |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rule 25.22. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).