Paris Diamond League: War-torn Ukraine athlete creates history by breaking 37-year-old record

Yaroslava Mahuchikh, a 22-year-old log jumper (high jump) athlete from Ukraine, has created history by breaking a 37-year-old world record at the Paris Diamond League. Yaroslava was the tallest on the list, at 2.10 meters (6.88 feet). This world record had previously been held by Bulgarian Stefka Kostadinova, who accomplished it in Rome in 1987. She grew emotional after the triumph, as her country had been at war for a long period.

After winning, Yaroslava said, we are fighting for our country, our people, and our soldiers. We want to show the whole world that we will not give up and will continue to fight. Unfortunately, the fight in Ukraine is not over yet. I am happy that I have succeeded in inscribing my country's name in the history of athletics amid difficult times.

Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Yaroslava said that with this performance she hopes that she can win a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

Due to the ongoing fighting in Ukraine, Yaroslava has to train in other countries. She said that there is no greater pain than being away from home.

The IOC has banned Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in the Olympics and other international competitions. Yaroslava believes that this is the right decision.