High jump sensation Yaroslava Mahuchikh (UKR), the reigning Olympic and world champion, is set to return to the Charlety Stadium in Paris tomorrow, Friday, June 20, for the Meeting de Paris Diamond League. This return holds special significance, as it is the very venue where, last year, she achieved a monumental feat in women’s high jump: becoming the first athlete to clear 2.10m, shattering a world record that had stood for 37 years.
Mahuchikh’s journey back to Paris comes swiftly after her outdoor winning streak of 15 consecutive victories was brought to an end last Sunday, June 15, at the Diamond League meet in Stockholm, Sweden. There, she placed second behind Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers, with both athletes clearing 1.99m before Olyslagers took the win at 2.01m.
Despite the streak-ending result, Mahuchikh demonstrated her characteristic calm and composure. “It wasn’t the result that I expected before the competition, but I’m just so happy to be here competing,” she told Olympics.com in Stockholm. She found positives in the atmosphere and the competitive rivalry, noting, “A lot of Ukrainians came out to support me with the Ukrainian flag, and it was a fantastic atmosphere. Competing with Nicola, every time we change position, it’s interesting to watch, and it just gets me ready for my next competition.”
Known for her unique pre-competition rituals, including keeping her makeup fresh and relaxing in a sleeping bag between attempts, Mahuchikh’s mental fortitude is as remarkable as her physical prowess.
With the desire to create even more history, Mahuchikh is poised to challenge herself once again on the world-record track. Her 2.10m clearance in Paris in 2024 not only secured her place in the record books but also instilled confidence in her ability to push boundaries further. As she stated earlier this season, “I want to jump higher than 2.10m, I think it’s possible… there are definitely no limits.”
All eyes will be on Charlety Stadium tomorrow as Mahuchikh steps onto the runway, aiming for another extraordinary performance and potentially another historic moment in the high jump.
