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Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh won gold at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, clearing 1.97 meters. Her compatriot Iryna Herashchenko finished fifth.
Mahuchikh entered the competition at 1.92m and cleared the height on her first attempt. Herashchenko, meanwhile, successfully cleared 1.83m on her opening attempt and 1.88m on her second.
The first decisive moment came at 1.95m. Herashchenko failed to clear the height and finished fifth, while Poland's Maria Żodzik and Mahuchikh progressed.
At 1.97m, Mahuchikh needed just one attempt to clear the bar. Żodzik and Montenegro's Marija Vuković both failed three times, securing Mahuchikh the European title.
Mahuchikh's third consecutive European gold
The victory marks Mahuchikh's third consecutive European outdoor title. She previously won gold in Munich in 2022 and Rome in 2024.
The 25-year-old Ukrainian also remains the world record holder in the high jump. She cleared 2.10m last year. Her career achievements also include Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games.
European Championships in Birmingham
The 2026 European Athletics Championships are being held in Birmingham from August 10 to 16. The tournament features 50 sets of medals and 1,645 athletes from 49 countries.
The next European Championships will take place in 2028 in Chorzów, Poland.
Earlier in Birmingham, Ukrainian hammer thrower Mykhailo Kokhan won a bronze medal.
