Yaroslava Mahuchikh from Ukraine triumphed in the women’s high jump final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, held at the Stade de France on Sunday, August 4. Both Mahuchikh and Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers cleared a height of 2.00 meters, but Mahuchikh achieved this feat on her first attempt, while Olyslagers required three tries.
The bronze medal was shared by Australia’s Eleanor Patterson and Ukraine’s Iryna Gerashchenko, who both cleared 1.95 meters but were unsuccessful in their attempts to surpass 1.98 meters.
Following the competition, Mahuchikh, the world record holder, expressed the significance of her gold medal. “I dreamed of this moment when I started my track and field career, and it was a great motivation for me,” she remarked. She further added, “I thank God that I jumped over 2.00 meters on my first attempt, which earned me the gold medal that I dedicate to my country.”
Olyslagers reflected on her journey in athletics, earning her second silver medal at the Olympic Games, following her second-place finish in Tokyo 2020. “I had people who recognized my potential and encouraged me to keep going, telling me I have a gift,” she explained. “I started high jumping at the age of eight and instantly fell in love with the sport. Although I wasn’t the best at first, my passion fueled my progress.”