Australia’s high jumpers, Nicola Olyslagers and Eleanor Patterson, achieved remarkable success at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, securing gold and silver medals, respectively. This accomplishment contributed to Australia’s highest-ever medal tally at the event. Just seven months post their Olympic achievements in Paris, where Olyslagers took home silver and Patterson bronze, the two athletes once again showcased their talents on an international stage.
Both women successfully cleared a height of 1.97 metres, but Olyslagers claimed gold on countback after three failed attempts at 1.99m. The victory saw her retain the gold medal from the previous year’s world indoor championships held in Glasgow. The bronze medal went to Ukrainian star Yaroslava Mahuchikh, the current world record holder and Olympic champion, who jumped 1.95m.
The medal success in Nanjing didn’t stop with the high jumpers; it marked Australia’s fifth medal in the championships, following earlier triumphs from sprinter Lachlan Kennedy and distance runners Jessica Hull and Ky Robinson. This unprecedented success represents Australia’s most impressive performance in the 20 editions of the World Indoor Championships.
Reflecting on her performance, Olyslagers expressed inspiration from Mahuchikh’s world record attempts, noting her own adjustments to the run-up technique to enhance her competitiveness. Patterson, who hails from Leongatha in Victoria, echoed this sentiment, highlighting her respect for her competitors and her aspirations for future competitions, including world championships in Tokyo.
Both athletes have high expectations and ambitions for their performance, with Olyslagers expressing a determined pursuit of jumping over two metres in the future. She commented on the significant milestones achieved, praising the recent success as a vital boost for Australian athletics.
This stellar showing at the indoor championships follows a historic track and field campaign for Australia at the Paris Olympics, where the country achieved its best Olympic medal tally since 1956, led by pole vaulter Nina Kennedy. Olyslagers remarked on the significance of the moment, stating, “This is the best thing that could possibly happen, winning gold and silver and for record medals. The Olympics was great, indoors is great. We’re really going places as a sport.”
Overall, the performances of Olyslagers and Patterson not only highlight their individual talents but also signify a promising future for Australian athletics on the world stage.