Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh made history on Sunday by breaking a world record that had stood for 37 years. Competing at a Diamond League meet in Paris, Mahuchikh soared over the bar at 2.10 meters (6.88 feet), surpassing the previous record of 2.09 meters set by Bulgaria's Stefka Kostadinova in 1987.
Expressing her confidence before the competition, Mahuchikh stated, 'Coming into this competition, I had feelings that I could jump 2.07 meters and maybe 2.10 meters. Finally, I signed Ukraine to the history of world athletics.'
The 22-year-old athlete, who hails from Dnipro, left her hometown when the conflict with Russia began and has been training abroad like many other Ukrainian elite athletes. Mahuchikh has been vocal about using sports as a platform to showcase Ukraine's resilience and strength amidst the ongoing war.
After clearing 2.01 meters alongside world indoor champion Nicola Olyaslagers, Mahuchikh went on to set a Ukrainian record by jumping 2.07 meters. She then raised the bar to 2.10 meters and successfully cleared it on her first attempt, securing victory at the meet.
Reflecting on the significance of her achievements, Mahuchikh emphasized the importance of representing her country and sending a message of hope to those fighting for Ukraine's survival. She highlighted the collective effort of Ukrainian athletes in demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
World Athletics recently announced the exclusion of all Russian athletes from the upcoming Olympic track meet, a decision that Mahuchikh supports. The organization's president, Sebastian Coe, visited Kyiv to show solidarity with Ukraine and reaffirmed the sport's stance in supporting the country's efforts during the conflict.
As Mahuchikh continues her remarkable athletic journey, her world record-breaking performance serves as a testament to her talent and determination. With her sights set on the Olympics, she aims to bring home a gold medal to inspire her fellow Ukrainians and showcase the strength of her nation on the global stage.
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