High jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh clinching Ukraine’s first individual gold medal of the Games. The triumph was especially poignant for Mahuchikh, who had been forced to flee her hometown due to the ongoing war with Russia. Celebrating alongside her were teammates Iryna Gerashchenko and Mykhaylo Kokhan, who also secured medals in their respective events, amplifying Ukraine’s medal tally from three to six within a span of about an hour.
Mahuchikh, originally from Dnipro, a city perilously close to the front lines of the war, has had a tumultuous journey. She recounted the harrowing experience of fleeing her home as Russian forces advanced, recalling the sound of gunfire and the sight of shells raining down in the distance. Despite these hardships, Mahuchikh’s focus and determination led her to clear 2.00 meters, outjumping her competitors to secure the gold.
Iryna Gerashchenko, who shared the bronze in the high jump, and Mykhaylo Kokhan, who took bronze in the hammer throw, joined Mahuchikh in a jubilant celebration at the Stade de France. The emotional moment was amplified when the two high jumpers received special permission to run over and embrace Kokhan, the trio proudly displaying their blue and yellow Ukrainian flags.
For Mahuchikh, the victory held deep significance beyond the personal achievement. “This gold medal is really for all of them,” she said, referring to the nearly 500 athletes who have lost their lives in the war. Her gold medal follows Ukraine’s earlier success in women’s team saber fencing, marking a strong showing for the nation in the Summer Games.
The day’s events were not solely celebratory. Mahuchikh and her teammates used the platform to draw attention to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the sacrifices of their fellow countrymen and athletes. Despite the constant threat of Russian rockets and the disruption to the power grid, the Olympic spirit shone through as Gerashchenko noted the significant online viewership back home, with around 160,000 people watching the live stream.
Mahuchikh’s gold medal win was accompanied by notable performances from other athletes. She cleared 2.00 meters, besting Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers, who also cleared 2.00 meters but failed in her attempts at 2.02 meters. Mahuchikh had the option to attempt a world record height of 2.10 meters but chose to begin her celebration instead.
Between jumps, Mahuchikh has a unique way of relaxing: she lies down and wraps herself in a type of sleeping bag, a method she says helps her stay calm and focused. “Sometimes I can watch the clouds…not think about that I’m at a stadium,” she shared.
This victory is the first Olympic gold of Mahuchikh’s career, adding to the bronze she won in Tokyo and the gold she secured at last year’s World Championships. “It’s all medals for our country, Ukraine, for our defenders,” she said. “Only thanks to them do we have the opportunity to be here.”