Nicola Olyslagers won the high jump Diamond Trophy with a new Oceania record

Two-time world indoor high jump champion Nicola Olyslagers recorded another victory over world record holder and Olympic champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh. Nicola Olyslagers won the Diamond League final tournament in Zurich with a new Oceania record of 204cm. The Australian was flawless from 191cm to 204cm, and made her first fouls only at 206cm. the Australian athelte’s achievement is also season’s best in the world.

With this result, Nicola Olyslagers also ranks 16th in the all-time rankings of the discipline, sharing this position with Venelina Veneva-Mateeva and five other athletes who have 206cm.

“What my coach will say today? He’s proud. Today was wonderful. Coming back to this place after four years was incredible. I spend a lot of time in Switzerland with Jacqueline Schneider. Today I’m discovering what’s possible for me. Sweden is like a second home for me, I’m staying in Sollentuna there”, said Nicola Olyslagers after the victory.

World record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh finished second today with 202cm, and had good attempts at 206cm, but ultimately failed. The British high jumper Morgan Lake broke the British national record after clearing exactly 200cm for third place.

“It’s great! The 200cm is something I’ve really wanted to do my whole career. In Lausanne last week I felt so good, but the rain made it impossible to jump well. I knew it was there. That’s why I wanted to jump again soon. After I cleared 197cm, I thought, ‘I know I have something big in me tonight’. When I cleared 200cm, I had to look at the scoreboard to make sure I really did it. Today I jumped a national record in the Diamond League final and placed in the top three. Now I’m full of confidence going into the World Championships knowing I cleared 200cm”, said Morgan Lake.

World medallist Yuliya Levchenko (Ukraine) also cleared 200cm but finished fourth as she cleared the height on her second attempt and Morgan Lake cleared the bar on her first.