Yaroslava Mahuchikh from Ukraine triumphed in the exciting women’s high jump final at the Stade de France on Sunday, August 4, 2024. She secured the gold medal after both she and Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers cleared a height of 2.00 meters. However, Mahuchikh achieved this feat on her first attempt, while Olyslagers needed three tries.
Bronze medals were awarded to Eleanor Patterson of Australia and Iryna Gerashchenko from Ukraine, who both managed to clear 1.95 meters but were unsuccessful in their attempts at 1.98 meters.
Post-competition, Mahuchikh, the world record holder, expressed how significant this victory was for her. “I dreamed of this moment when I started my track and field career, and it was a big motivation for me,” she stated. Mahuchikh went on to share her gratitude for her successful jump at 2.00 meters on her first try, which ultimately secured her the gold medal. “I want to dedicate this to my country,” she added.
Olyslagers reflected on her personal journey in the sport, which culminated in earning her second silver medal at the Olympics, three years after finishing second at the Tokyo 2020 Games. “I had people who believed in me and encouraged me to keep going, saying, ‘you’ve got a gift,’” she recalled. Olyslagers shared her love for high jumping, which began at the age of eight, stating, “It was that love that carried me through.”