NANJING, China – Just one week after winning the individual national championship title in men's high jump, Eli Kosiba placed fourth for USA Track & Field (USATF) at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China. His 2.28m (7-5.75) mark matched the second-and-third place marks; however, Kosiba earned the near-podium finish on the count back.
 
This is Kosiba's second appearance on the world stage. In 2023, he competed for USATF at the 2023 Pan American Games and recorded a 2.15m (7-0.5) height. He went into this competition with less nerves and a much sturdier head on his shoulders.
 
"This has been a year of growth mentality for me," remarked Kosiba. "I've been having fun every time I've stepped on the track this year and I couldn't find a reason why this meet should be any different. I was calm during the competition; I've played this moment in my head on repeat."
 
The 13 athletes began competition at the 2.14m (7-0.25) with progressions at 2.20m (7-2.5), 2.24m (7-4.25), 2.28m and 2.31m (7-7). Kosiba easily cleared the first two marks, sailing over the bar with ease. Although unable to clear 2.24m or 2.28m on his first attempt at each height, he cleared each mark on his second attempt. He was unable to clear the 2.31m mark through three attempts. 
 
Korea's Sanghyeok Woo won gold as the sole competitor to clear 2.31m, followed by New Zealand's Hamish Kerr and Jamaica's Raymond Richards, both of whom recorded the same mark as Kosiba. Kerr and Richards took silver and bronze, as they only had one failed attempt apiece.  
 
Kosiba's collegiate career came to an end after winning the individual title at the 2025 NCAA DII Indoor Track & Field Championships last week in Indianapolis, Indiana. Although he can no longer compete in Laker uniform, he is excited for what has yet to come.
 
"Moving forward, I'm going to pursue a professional career in this sport," said Kosiba. "I want to win medals, make a name for myself in this sport and compete against the best when the stakes are highest."