Ivan Ukhov of Russia wins Olympic high jump, Erik Kynard of U.S. takes silver

(L-R) Bronze medalist Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar, gold medalist Ivan Ukhov of Russia, and silver medalist Erik Kynard of the United States pose after the Men's High Jump Final on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 7, 2012, in London, England. / Getty

(CBS/AP) LONDON - Ivan Ukhov of Russia won the men's high jump in cold conditions and a light drizzle at the London Olympics on Tuesday, while Erik Kynard of the United States took the silver medal.

After he came in second, the 21-year-old American took to Twitter to thank fans for their support.

"I would like to thank you all for your continuous love & support," he wrote. "I didn't win but I gave it my best effort......."

Ukhov, who earned a "strong warning" from the IAAF for being drunk during a competition in 2008, cleared 2.38 meters on his first attempt.

He had one failed attempt at 2.40, an Olympic record, before putting his warm clothes back on and starting the celebrations.

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London Olympics: Aug. 8, 2012

The 2010 world indoor champion was the leading performer in 2012 and held his nerve as Kynard raised the height late in the competition to try to get ahead of him.

Kynard took silver at 2.33 meters.

Three men were tied for bronze: Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar, Robert Grabarz of Britain and Derek Drouin of Canada, making for a crowded medal podium.

"It is going to be tight for space up there," said Grabarz.

Barshim didn't mind the sharing. "We are all brothers and we are one family," he said.