Athletics women’s high jump ‘morning star’ Yaroslava Makhuchik (21, Ukraine) won the 2022 World Indoor Athletics Championships.
Mahuchik won the women’s high jump final by jumping 2m02 at the Stark Arena in Belgrade, Serbia on the 19th (local time).
Eleanor Patterson (26, Australia), who crossed 2m00, took second place.
Maria Rashtskene (29, Russia), ‘the strongest active female high jumper, was unable to participate in the 2022 World Indoor Athletics Championships as the World Athletics Federation decided to ‘ban athletes from Russia and Belarus’.
Mahuchik drew a heart with both hands and wrapped the Ukrainian flag on his uniform as the relay camera shot him.
After the championship was confirmed, they ran the track while wrapping their shoulders with the Ukrainian flag.
After the match, Mahuchik said, “This medal is for all citizens and soldiers of my country, Ukraine, Ukraine. Terrible things are happening in Ukraine. I got hundreds of messages on my cell phone. etc. were included in the message,” he said, raising the topic of ‘Russian invasion of Ukraine’.
“Russia is now trying to annihilate the people, children and future of Ukraine,” he said. “Ukrainians are satisfied with their lives in Ukraine. I don’t know what the hell Russia is fighting for. There seems to be,” he claimed.
Mahuchik, who left his father in Ukraine and arrived in Serbia with his mother and sister, said, “It was a difficult environment to concentrate on training. Still, the coach and family asked me to ‘fight for Ukraine on the field'” “It was a very important game for me.” was,” he said.
Mahuchik was also encouraged by his teammates who played together and the spectators who watched the match.
After Mahuchik confirmed the victory, many fans who visited Stark Arena shouted ‘Ukraine’.
Patterson, who took 2nd place, said, “Mahuchik overcame a difficult situation and did a great job. Congratulations to Mahuchik on the win.”
Patterson also showed his ‘heart to support Ukraine’ by dyeing his nails in blue and yellow, the symbol of Ukraine.
Mahuchik will not be able to return to Ukraine for the time being.
Mahuchik prayed for an end to the war, saying, “I plan to go to Germany for training. I hope to return to Ukraine in April to meet my family and friends.”
(Photo = Getty Images Korea)