Eleanor Patterson and Nicola Olyslagers have secured silver and bronze medals in the women’s high jump event at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
This success propelled Australia to its best-ever medal count of six in the championship, including one gold, two silver and three bronze medals.
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Eleanor Patterson, the defending world champion, achieved a first-time clearance at 1.99m after undergoing foot surgery earlier this year.
“It was a very wild, incredible night and tough competition. I definitely put my back up against the wall, but I am incredibly proud of the performance tonight and of Nicola and Yaroslava as well.”
The gold medal went to Ukrainian athlete Yaroslava Mahuchikh, who was the sole competitor to clear 2.01m.
Mahuchikh’s triumph was significant given her background as she had to leave her hometown due to the war with Russia. She is now training in Germany.
“I am so proud to win this gold for my country,” Ms Mahuchikh said.
“I can’t wait to go back and show this medal to my coach.”
Nicola Olyslagers, a silver medalist from the Tokyo Olympics, secured the bronze by clearing the same height as Patterson.
“I was getting flashbacks of a few years ago when we (Eleanor Patterson) were going head-to-head, especially in 2020, and we really pushed each other. I was thinking, we’ve come a long way since a few years ago.”
The women’s high jump event marked a historic achievement for Australia, as it was the first time the nation produced two medallists in one single event at the World Athletics Championships.
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