BUDAPEST, Hungary- As the World Athletics Championships drew to a close, Yaroslava Mahuchikh, 21, brought down the house as she clinched the first and only gold medal at women’s world high jump for her war-afflicted country, Ukraine.
On Sunday, Aug 27, she finished off the evening with her heart-stopping performance as she managed to leap 2.01 meters (6 feets and 7 inches) into the air, beating the defending champion Eleanor Patterson’s record of 1.99 meters.
Mahuchikh was one of 29 athletes from Ukraine who qualified for the World Athletics Championships.
“I am so proud to win this gold for my country. I can’t wait to go back and show this medal to my coach,” said Mahuchikh.
“I (had) to win this gold for my country and all Ukrainian people who are still fighting for peace in Ukraine and for our independence.”
“Thanks to them we have this unique possibility to compete at the international arena and to raise our flag.”, the 21 year old added.
It was definitely a meaningful win for both Ukraine and the 21 year old Mahuchikh as she had to flee from Dnipro, her hometown, because of the war against Russia.
She also adds that it has always been a dream of hers to become the best woman high jumper and to win gold at the championships.
“I have been one of the best woman high jumpers over the last few years and I badly wanted to become the best in the world officially. Before every single one of my jumps tonight I said to myself that I have to win gold. Only gold.”, said Mahuchikh.
Finally, Mahuchikh expressed her excitement towards Paris olympics in 2024:
“Tomorrow we will start the next stage of our preparation. I am looking forward to get another title from the Olympics in Paris.”
In addition to the silver Maryna Bekh-Romanchuk won in the triple jump two nights earlier, this was Ukraine’s first gold medal ever and their second overall.