Like millions of Ukrainians, Yaroslava Mahuchikh was forced to leave her home after Russia invaded her country last month.
But despite having her world turned upside down and traveling three days by car to reach the competition, the 20-year-old still managed to win gold in the high jump event at the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, on Saturday. (19).
“It was very important for me and my family, my country,” Mahuchikh told BBC Sport, saying he didn’t even think about training in the days after the invasion began on 24 February.
“For me, coming here was difficult because the traffic was so huge, three days by car, and jumping here was so difficult psychologically because my heart remains in my country.”
The 20-year-old jumped a height of 2.02m to claim the title of world leader.
The crowd cheered as Mahuchikh celebrated his victory on the track with the Ukrainian flag wrapped around him.
“It’s so difficult, but I think I did a lot of good for my country, because I protect my country on the track. I think it’s a very important thing for my country,” she added.
Australian Eleanor Patterson won the ribbon in Belgrade and paid tribute to Ukraine by painting her nails blue and yellow for the event.
Mahuchikh had won the bronze medal at last year’s Olympics.
Russian Mariya Lasitskene won gold in Tokyo, but she, along with other Russian and Belarusian athletes, was banned from participating in last week’s championships as the sport continues to turn its back on Vladimir Putin.
Source: CNN Brasil
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