Blankers-Koen was the world record holder, but her coach/husband
advised her against competing in the high jump, particularly as it
clashed with the relay. As she had not jumped higher than 1.65 in the
previous four years it was probably a wise move. Coachman topped the
world list with 1.644, while the next highest jumpers (Aleksandra
Chudina and Galina Ganeker) were ineligible as the USSR was not a
member of the IOC. Coachman was led at 1.61 by the veteran Tyler, but
took the lead with a second time clearance at 1.64. The lead changed
hands twice more, as Tyler cleared 1.66 first time, while Coachman
western rolled over 1.68 at her first attempt to win the first ever gold
medal by a black American woman. Ostermeyer had already won the
shot and discus before taking bronze in the high jump.