Others

Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh, the world record holder, has captured Olympic gold at the Stade de France with her unique habit of lying under a green bedroll between jumps. This intriguing method has sparked curiosity and admiration worldwide.Mahuchikh's unusual routine, which involves counting numbers or watching clouds while lying down, has become a signature part of her preparation. She began this practice in 2018 after winning the Youth Olympic Games. "I feel comfortable when I lay and sometimes I can watch the clouds," she explained to TIME Magazine. "It's like, relax, [and] not think about that I'm at [the] stadium."Her coach, Serhii Stepanov, believes the bedroll helps prevent blood from pooling in her legs. Mahuchikh always carries a yoga mat, sleeping bag, and spare socks to competitions, or wears a hoodie. She recommends this approach for comfort in various weather conditions."It's really difficult [to wear spikes]," she said in a press conference. "But I advise all girls to have this mat and blanket because it's really comfortable to lay on in different weather. When it's raining, it's OK. It never gets hot because it's a camping blanket."Beyond her unique relaxation technique, Mahuchikh's victory holds deep emotional significance. She fled Ukraine due to the ongoing Russian invasion, which has claimed the lives of nearly 500 Ukrainian athletes. "Almost 500 sportsmen have died in this war," she said. "They will never compete. They will never celebrate. They will never fill this atmosphere. I'm happy with the gold medal. It's really for all of them."Australia's Nicola Olyslagers won the silver medal in the high jump, while Eleanor Patterson of Australia and Ukraine's Iryna Gerashchenko shared the bronze.Mahuchikh's gold medal is a testament to her resilience, determination, and the power of finding comfort in unconventional ways. Her unique bedroll routine has not only helped her achieve Olympic glory but has also inspired countless others to embrace their own unique paths to success.

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.