Yaroslava Mahuchikh continued her high jump dominance with a thrilling win at the Xiamen Diamond League, clearing an impressive 1.97 meters.
The Ukrainian star edged out tough competition from Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers, the reigning world indoor champion, and former world champion Eleanor Patterson. Both Australians cleared 1.94 meters, with Olyslagers taking second and Patterson third on countback.
Yuliia Levchenko of Ukraine, a former world silver medalist, secured fourth place with a season-best jump of 1.91 meters, tying with Great Britain’s Morgan Lake and Germany’s Christina Honsel and Imke Onnen.
Mahuchikh attempted to break the Xiamen meet record by aiming for 2.03 meters but fell short in her three attempts. Nevertheless, her victory reaffirms her status as one of the most dominant high jumpers in the world.
Last season, Mahuchikh made history by shattering a 36-year-old world record at the Paris Diamond League, becoming the first woman ever to clear 2.10 meters—surpassing Stefka Kostadinova’s legendary 2.09-meter mark set in 1987.
She continued her incredible form and claimed the title of Europe’s Women’s Athlete of the Year at the 2024 European Athletics Golden Tracks Awards.
Mahuchikh expressed her joy at starting the season with a win while emphasizing her recovery from past injuries.
“I’m so happy that I opened my season with a win. It’s a great sign for me. But especially for me, it was important to not feel any pain. Now I’m sure that I’m fully recovered,” she said in a post race interview.
“I just need to fill my runway, start relaxed, and push hard in the last few steps. I hope the next Diamond League will bring even higher results,” she added.
Looking ahead, Mahuchikh has her sights set on defending her world championship title in Tokyo.
“The main goal is to protect my title, but I also want to enjoy the atmosphere, the competition, and the camaraderie with other athletes,” she added.