Aussie High Jumpers Make History with Gold and Silver Medals: ‘An Unforgettable Moment’

Aussie high jump stars Nicola Olyslagers and Eleanor Patterson have proudly secured gold and silver medals, respectively, at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, contributing to Australia’s most successful medal tally in the history of the event.

Just seven months after Olyslagers clinched silver and Patterson took home bronze at the Paris Olympics, this talented pair has once again shared the podium, this time in Nanjing, China.

Both athletes cleared a height of 1.97 metres before making three unsuccessful attempts at 1.99 metres, with Olyslagers winning gold based on countback.

The Gosford athlete successfully defended the title she claimed at last year’s world indoor championships held in Glasgow.

Bronze went to Ukrainian star Yaroslava Mahuchikh, the reigning Olympic champion and world record holder, who jumped 1.95 metres.

With Olyslagers’ gold and Patterson’s silver, Australia’s medal tally in Nanjing has reached five, following the achievements of sprinter Lachlan Kennedy and distance runners Jessica Hull and Ky Robinson.

This tally marks the first time Australia has ever won so many medals across the 20 editions of the World Indoor Championships.

“I was really motivated by Yaroslava’s attempts at the world record last year,” Olyslagers shared. “She altered her run-up, so I adopted a new approach as well. I aspire to jump as high as Yaroslava [whose world record stands at 2.10m]. To stay competitive, I must keep testing and evolving my techniques.”

Patterson also made tweaks to her run-up during her performance.

“Any athlete at this level is inherently competitive,” noted Patterson, who hails from Leongatha in country Victoria. “I aim for the top of the podium, yet I hold immense respect for all the competitors.”

“… Today was decent, but I can’t wait to showcase my skills in Tokyo [at the world championships in September]. It’s a long year ahead, with many competitions leading up to it.”

“I set high expectations for myself, and I know with this new run-up I’ve developed, there’s potential for greater heights. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve cleared two metres, so I’m relentlessly pursuing that goal.”

This historic medal haul comes on the back of a remarkable track and field season in Paris, where pole vaulter Nina Kennedy led the team to its highest Olympic medal tally since Melbourne 1956.

“Winning gold and silver while setting a record for the most medals is the best possible outcome,” Olyslagers affirmed in Nanjing. “… The Olympics were fantastic, and performing well indoors is also significant. We are making great strides as a sport.”