World record holder and Olympic champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh suffered a rare defeat in the women’s high jump. The Ukrainian’s had a perfect card through to 2.01m, but faltered with two failures as Australia’s world indoor champion Nicola Olyslagers cleared the bar at the first attempt.
Mahuchikh had a final single attempt at 2.03m to snatch back the lead. But she failed and the Australian could savour a hard-fought victory. She to tried at 2.03m. but settled for the win. Mahuchikh’s best was 1.99m. Third place went to Poland’s Maria Zodzik with 1.93m.
Afterwards, Mahuchikh said: “It was a great atmosphere here with a lot of Ukranians present and very noisy support which is lovely for me. Today Nicola (Olyslagers) was better than me but that is ok as we have a great relationship together out there in the field.
“We all get on well and help one another along. We never know who will win on the day, but it is always fun. It is interesting to watch us as it is fun. It is such a cool atmosphere out there when someone jumps well. We all train together so are friends and competitiors. I am off to Paris next which has great memories for me from the Olympics of course.”
Germany’s Kristin Pudenz, an Olympic and European silver medallist won the women’s discus throw with an opening round 64.85m, ahead of the Netherlands’ Jorinde Van Klinken whose best effort was a third round 64.33m. Cuba’s former world champion Denia Caballero completed the top three with 63.32m.