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2012 London Olympics: Kansas State's Erik Kynard Takes Silver In High Jump

Kansas State's Erik Kynard gave the United States another medal on Tuesday, this one a silver in the men's high jump with a mark of 2.33 meters. The Toledo, Ohio native finished just behind Russia's Ivan Ukhov, who took the gold with a mark of 2.38 meters. Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim took the bronze medal with a mark of 2.29 meters.

Kynard told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that with his noticeable high socks - decorated with the American flag - there's no way he wouldn't medal:

“No way,” Kynard said. “I had to represent. I had to. You can't wear these socks and finish second. My mom's gonna kill me.”

The senior at KSU has spent most of these Olympic Games being noticed as a Kobe Bryant look-a-like:

“I tried to win the gold so I could let the world know my name is Erik Kynard, Jr., not Kobe Jr.” Kynard said. “But hey, maybe they'll appreciate my silver and call me Erik now.”

For the latest on the 2012 London Olympics, be sure to check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.