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Ukraine's Yaroslava Mahuchikh has etched her name into the annals of track and field history by setting a new world record in the women's high jump at the Diamond League meet in Paris. With just three weeks to go before the Paris Olympics, Mahuchikh soared over the bar at an astonishing height of 2.10 meters, eclipsing the previous record of 2.09 meters set by Bulgaria's Stefka Kostadinova in 1987.Mahuchikh's record-breaking feat was a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience. Despite facing the horrors of war in her native Ukraine, she has remained focused on her athletic pursuits. Her journey to the top has been marked by countless sacrifices, including a six-day car journey to Belgrade in 2022 to compete in the World Indoor Championships.The 22-year-old Ukrainian has been in scintillating form this season, claiming world indoor silver in Glasgow in March. Her victory in Paris is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and it has propelled her into the spotlight as one of the favorites for the Olympic gold medal.Mahuchikh's record-setting jump was met with thunderous applause from the packed-out crowd at the Stade Charlety. She sprinted arms held aloft in triumph, embracing her coaching team in a moment of pure joy. "It was really incredible, even more so because I only jumped 2.07 at my second attempt, and it was already my personal best," she said.Mahuchikh's achievement has not only inspired her fellow Ukrainians but has also sent shockwaves through the world of track and field. Her record-breaking performance is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, dreams can be realized.

Kenya's Faith Kipyegon has solidified her status as a formidable contender for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris by shattering her own world record in the women's 1500m at the Paris Diamond League meet.On Sunday, Kipyegon, guided by two pacemakers, surged to the front and crossed the finish line in an astonishing 3min 49.04sec at Stade Charlety. This remarkable performance eclipsed her previous world record of 3min 49.11sec, set in Florence in June 2023, by a narrow margin of 0.07sec.Kipyegon, now 30 years old, will return to Paris for the Summer Games as one of the top favorites. Her impressive track record includes two Olympic 1500m gold medals and three world titles. In addition to her dominance in the 1500m, Kipyegon also showcased her versatility by claiming the 5,000m title at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.Kipyegon's world record-breaking performance serves as a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering determination. It sends a clear message to her rivals that she is in peak form and ready to defend her Olympic crown in Paris.

Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has clarified that the Paris Diamond League on Sunday was never a part of his competition calendar this year. The statement came after a media report stated that Chopra pulled out of the event due to an adductor niggle that has been troubling him for the past couple of months.Chopra took to social media to clarify that there was no question of a withdrawal when he had not even entered his name for the event. "Hello, everyone. Just to clarify: the #ParisDL wasn't part of my competition calendar this season, so I haven't 'withdrawn' from it. I'm focusing on getting ready for the Olympic Games," Chopra posted.The 26-year-old was exempted from last week's National Inter-State Championships, which was a mandatory event for all Indian athletes, by the Athletics Federation Of India (AFI). The AFI said the relaxation was given to him due to the short turnaround time between the domestic event and the Diamond League on July 7.However, Chopra had indicated last month that his schedule would be decided according to the state of his body. "We had a discussion that I would play in the National Inter-State Championships (June 27-30) and it's going to be held in Panchkula in Haryana but it was very near to the Paris Olympics," Chopra had said."Since I was playing in Doha which is near to India. Moreover, there is Paris Diamond League (on July 7) between National Inter-State and Olympics. So, we decided to compete here (Federation Cup)," Chopra had said."Further competition schedule will be decided later according to situation and my body. Otherwise, I will go to Paris from there (after competing in Turku)."Chopra, who scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win a track and field medal at the Tokyo Olympics, had won the gold at the at the Paavo Nurmi Games last month. Following this, he had opened up about his adductor niggle which has affected his season, saying he will consult "different doctors" after the Paris Olympics.

Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has withdrawn from the upcoming Paris Diamond League due to a persistent adductor niggle. The injury has been bothering Chopra for the past few months, and he has decided to prioritize his training and recovery.In an interview with ESPN, Chopra explained that he is focusing on strengthening his blocking leg, which is crucial for transferring the momentum from his run-up to his throwing arm. He said, "I need to strengthen my blocking leg when I throw because that's when my groin gets pulled. We're working on that to see how we can reduce the impact on the groin and control the pressure on it."Chopra admitted that he could have competed in more events, but he realized that his health is paramount. He said, "I could have competed in more events for sure and that was the plan. But I have realized that my health is paramount, that comes first. Even if I feel the slightest discomfort or like I am pushing myself too much in training, I've learnt to pause for a bit."The block phase is a critical maneuver in javelin throwing, as it is the point at which the pace generated by the run-up is transferred to the hip and then to the throwing arm. Chopra said that he has become wiser over the years and no longer puts himself at risk to fulfill commitments like he used to do before his Olympic gold."Back then, if I had an entry in a competition, I would definitely go and compete no matter what happened. But now with more experience, I am better placed to make correct decisions," he said.Chopra expressed satisfaction with his performance at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland, where he topped the field with a throw of 85.97m. However, he acknowledged that there was room for improvement. "I was happy with my performance in Turku, but I felt there was more work to do. I was slow on the runway compared to my normal speed. I want that speed back and for that, I need proper confidence that I am fully fit and that my groin is fit. I want to feel confident when I run on the runway," he said.Chopra's decision to withdraw from the Paris Diamond League is a precautionary measure to ensure that he is fully fit for the upcoming Paris Olympics. He is expected to consult with different doctors after the Games to address the adductor niggle.