by Alfonz JuckWhat are the makings of a good high jump competition? Well, bring together a field of the best high jumpers, with global champs experience, big jumps, and those who have shown some level of fitness.
The beauty of our sport is that some athletes will surprised and rise to the occasion.
Eleanor Patterson, photo by World Athletics
Woo Sanghyeok, photo courtesy of Tokyo2020
Patterson 1.99m WL/AR, Woo 2.35m at Banska Bystrica
Yaroslav Mahuchikh, photo by European Athletics
BANSKA Bystrica (SVK, Feb 15): Korea’s Woo Sanghyeok continued his strong season with another impressive performance and won with 235 clearance at the 28th edition of Banskobystrica latka high jump meet with music (WIT Silver). Allowed 250 spectators also saw surprise women winner as Australia’s Eleanor Patterson was in record-breaking form with 1.99m Oceanian records and World lead. Woo then offered three solid attempts at 2.37m and confirmed who is the main favorite for World Indoors as the Olympic champions Barshim and Tamberi are not competing indoors this year.
Woo Sanghyeok, photo courtesy of Banska Bystrica
“My body was tired, but the goal is clear for Belgrade,” he said. Ilya Ivanyuk cleared indoor PB 2.31m, passed 2.33,m and tried two times at 2.35m and once at 2.37m. Third US JuVaughn Harrison with 2.28m. Patterson was sensational as she struggled at 190 with the third attempt in her first career indoor competitions.” I loved every minute here in Slovakia, it was worth to make the long trip,” she said as the first Australian competing at the meet. Yaroslava Mahuchikh was also flying high and only barely missed 1.99m after easily clearing 1.96m. In third with Monte Negro record Marija Vukovic 1.96m and she also had very close the third attempt at 1.99m. Olympic winner Mariya Lasitskene struggled at her opening height 185 (in the third attempt) but then came back into contention bravely and very closely missed 1.96m. She ended sixth as Safina Sadullayeva cleared indoor PB 1.93m for fourth and Olympic medalist Mirela Demireva 1.93m season-best for fifth.
Eleanor Patterson, photo by World Athletics
