KATOWICE, Poland — Ukraine’s Olympic and World champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh claimed her 22nd Diamond League victory, edging out Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers in a high jump shoot-out in Katowice. Olyslagers cleared 1.97m to finish second, while Imke Onnen secured third with 1.91m.
The women’s high jump was one of three disciplines along with the women’s shot put and women’s pole vault that were held in the main square of the southwestern Polish city.
The high jump predictably turned into a battle between the two clear favourites.
Mahuchikh cleared 2.00 metres at her second attempt to heap the pressure on her Australian rival, the two-time defending indoor champion who won silver medals at the last two Olympics, AFP reported.
But it proved to be too much and Olyslagers had to be content with second place in 1.97m behind the world record holder who has now bagged three wins on the circuit this season.
Yaroslava Mahuchikh clears 2.00m to score the win in the Silesia City Event High Jump. Nicola Olyslagers finishes second at 1.97m as they put on a show for the city. Germany’s Imke Onnen was a distant third with a best of 1.91m.
Only three other jumpers of the 10-strong field made the 1.88m mark in blistering heat and in front of a big crowd packed into temporary stands.
Jessica Schilder of the Netherlands wrapped up victory in the women’s shot put with a best of 19.66m on her fifth of six attempts.
The two-time European champion saw off competition from Germany’s reigning Olympic champion Yemisi Ogunleye (19.50m), with American Maggie Ewen rounding out the podium, a further centimetre adrift.
Victory in the pole vault went to France’s Marie-Julie Bonnin, who managed a best of 4.70m. She failed three times at what would have been a new personal best of 4.77m.
Hungary’s Hanga Klekner took second with 4.60m on countback from Americans Brynn King and Hana Moll.
