The Ukrainian star shines in Budapest, securing her second global title with a leap of 1.99 meters
Category: Sports
Yaroslava Mahuchikh, Ukraine’s world record-holder, won the inaugural high jump title at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship held in Budapest, Hungary, on September 11, 2026. The Olympic champion secured her victory with a jump of 1.99 meters, marking her second global title in a thrilling competition that showcased some of the finest talents in athletics.
Mahuchikh’s performance was remarkable, as she only had one failure before reaching her winning height. She attempted to clear 2.04 meters—a height that would have added a centimeter to her own world lead—but was unable to make it. Nonetheless, her title was firmly in hand. In a fierce contest with Australia’s reigning Olympic and world champion, Nicola Olyslagers, who finished second with a jump of 1.95 meters, Mahuchikh demonstrated her prowess and confidence.
Joining Olyslagers on the podium were Australia’s Eleanor Patterson and Serbia’s Angelina Topić, who both cleared 1.91 meters, tying for third place. The event took place at the Gyula Zsivotzky National Athletics Centre, where Mahuchikh opened her campaign successfully, clearing 1.91 meters and 1.95 meters on her first attempts. She required two attempts at 1.99 meters, but once Olyslagers failed to clear that height, Mahuchikh was confirmed as the champion.
On a chilly evening, Mahuchikh returned to her sleeping bag after clinching the title, preparing for her attempt at the would-be world lead of 2.04 meters. The 24-year-old, who previously cleared 2.03 meters indoors in January, expressed her elation at the achievement. "I am so proud to be in the history of world athletics," Mahuchikh said. "This is the first Ultimate Championship and I am the first Ultimate champion – I am so happy." Her victory adds another accolade to her impressive resume, which includes her 2023 world title win and the 2024 Olympic crown.
The competition unfolded with intense drama as Mahuchikh, Olyslagers, and their competitors battled for supremacy. The height of 1.95 meters proved to be a decisive point in the contest, with several athletes faltering at that mark. Olyslagers managed to clear it on her third attempt, but Mahuchikh’s consistency and determination shone through as she maintained her focus throughout the event.
The World Athletics Ultimate Championship is a new addition to the athletics calendar, taking place from September 11 to 13, 2026. Following the success of the 2023 World Championships, Budapest has once again become a focal point for global athletics, hosting this high-stakes event with a prize pool of $10 million. The championship features a total of 28 events, offering automatic qualification to defending Olympic and world champions.
The inaugural event kicked off with the mixed 4x100m relay and included various track and field disciplines throughout the weekend. Many of the world’s top athletes participated, including USA’s Noah Lyles and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Sweden’s Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis, and Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon. The competition is structured to allow only the best athletes, with the top 16 runners and top eight competitors in throws and jumps vying for glory.
Mahuchikh’s victory in the high jump was among the highlights of the first day, which also featured other thrilling competitions, including the men’s 5000m, where Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen claimed victory with a time of 12:59.24, marking a remarkable comeback from Achilles surgery. Ingebrigtsen’s performance was characterized by a powerful late kick that secured his win against a competitive field, including Olympic 1500m champion Cole Hocker, who finished second.
As the championship progresses, fans can look forward to more exciting events, including the women’s 200m final scheduled for Sunday night. The Ultimate Championship, with its innovative format and high-profile participants, aims to attract new audiences and reinvigorate interest in track and field athletics.
The event’s organizers have emphasized the importance of this championship in the lead-up to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California. By providing a platform for elite athletes to compete in a dynamic and engaging environment, the Ultimate Championship is set to become a staple in the athletics calendar, occurring every two years.
As the competitions continue, Mahuchikh’s success serves as a personal triumph and as a symbol of resilience and excellence in athletics. The next few days promise to deliver more thrilling performances as athletes vie for the title of Ultimate Champion and the substantial prize that accompanies it. Fans eagerly await the upcoming events, with the excitement building around this new chapter in the world of athletics.
With the championship still underway, viewers can catch all the action live on NBC Sports and streaming platforms, ensuring that the spotlight remains on these extraordinary athletes as they push the limits of human performance.