Hardly anyone expected Yaroslava Mahuchikh not to become a world champion in the high jump in Eugene after Russian athletes were not allowed to participate in the planetary forum and three-time world champion Mariya Lasitskene was not in the sector. However, Australia’s Eleanor Patterson sprung the mini-surprise in the women’s high jump final after winning the title with 2.02m – a new Australian record.
The world indoor silver medalist from Belgrade secured first place this winter after jumping 2.02m on her first attempt. Before she managed this height, she was in an extremely unenviable position – fourth place, having jumped 1.98m only on the third attempt.
This winter’s world indoor champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh also cleared 2.02m, but finished second after clearing the height on her second attempt. This is the second silver medal at the world championships for the 20-year-old Ukrainian, who was also second in Doha in 2019.
The Italian Elena Vallortigara climbed to third place on the ladder of honor with 2.00m. With the same result, Iryna Gerashchenko (Ukraine), who jumped this height on her second attempt, remained outside the top three.