Her most memorable performance of 2024? 7 July, when she wiped Stefka Kostadinova's 37-year-old world record off the tables and lifted it to 2m10? Or 4 August, when she crowned herself Olympic Champion for the first time in her career? “They are both indescribable memories,” muses Mahuchikh. “But records are there to be broken. One day, my record too will be broken. So, I will choose the Olympic gold. Once an Olympic Champion, always an Olympic Champion.”
That Olympic title also means a lot to her war-torn country Ukraine. “I fight for my country, on the athletics track. I jump for my country and the people there,” Mahuchikh says determinedly. “They tell me that my achievements bring a little joy into their lives. My Olympic title brought joy in Ukraine for one day, but the day after, a rocket hit a children's hospital. I cried a lot then.”
For a year and a half, Belgium's Heusden-Zolder has been Yaroslava Mahuchikh's base. “It has become my second home; I get so much support. My neighbours have told me they are coming to the Memorial on Friday to cheer me on. That does something to me. I think it's great, too crazy for words.”
“I really enjoy coming to the Allianz Memorial Van Damme, it's one of my favourite meetings. The atmosphere in the stadium is wonderful and encourages great performances. I would very much like to finish the season in style and win that diamond trophy for the third time. After that, I will feast on Belgian waffles and chocolate,” Mahuchikh laughed. But then added seriously: “I haven't seen my family since October 2023. After the meeting, I will go to my hometown in Ukraine for two months.”
Yaroslava Mahuchikh wants to bring even more sporting joy to her compatriots in the coming years as well. “Yes, I am European, World and Olympic Champion and I hold the world record. But I want to win many more medals. I will definitely continue for ten more years,” said the determined Ukrainian. “So, at least ten more Memorial Van Dammes for me too!”
