At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh has captured significant media and fan attention. Not only did she secure the first gold medal for Ukraine at this year’s Summer Olympics, but her striking appearance has also been a talking point.
Yaroslava Mahuchikh Sleeping on the Field
Yaroslava Mahuchikh often rests on the field while waiting for her turn.
The 23-year-old athlete, who previously won a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, silver at the World Championships in 2019 and 2022, gold at the World Indoor Championships in 2022, and silver at the World Indoor Championships in 2024, is often referred to by international sports fans as the “Goddess of High Jump” due to her beauty and athletic prowess.
During this Olympics, Mahuchikh has attracted attention by frequently bringing a sleeping bag to the competition. While other athletes focus on their events or watch their competitors, Mahuchikh relaxes in her sleeping bag, seemingly unconcerned about the ongoing competition.
Some have criticized her behavior as disrespectful to her opponents, but the Ukrainian athlete explained that this is her way of staying relaxed and not getting too stressed about the competition.
“It’s like a way to relax and forget that I’m competing,” Mahuchikh said. “I simply feel very comfortable lying down.”
Unusual Olympic 2024 Sleeping on the Field Awaiting Gold 1
Yaroslava Mahuchikh is called the ‘Goddess of High Jump’ for her stunning looks.
In the high jump final on August 4, Mahuchikh and her colleague Nicola Olyslagers both cleared the 2.10m bar, setting a world record. However, Mahuchikh was awarded the gold medal because she reached the height with fewer attempts than her rival.
Earlier, at the Diamond League in Paris in July, Mahuchikh also cleared this height, breaking the old high jump record that had stood for 37 years. The previous record was set by Bulgarian athlete Stefka Kostadinova in Rome in 1987 at 2.09m.
Unusual Olympic 2024 Sleeping on the Field Awaiting Gold 2
Besides her main sport, Yaroslava also models for fashion magazines.
