Yaroslava Mahuchikh: Why one of the biggest stars at the Paris Olympics curled up in a sleeping bag as she won gold

Ukraine high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh won over a legion of new fans with her unique way of preparing for each leap as she won gold at the Stade de France on Sunday.

Australians Nicola Olyslagers and Eleanor Patterson achieved a historic feat by winning silver and bronze medals in the event – but Mahuchikh was the star of the show.

Olyslagers had a chance to compete for gold, facing off against the world champion from Ukraine at the 2.02m height but narrowly missed out.

Mahuchikh entertained fans with her unique routine, the which saw the 22-year-old wrap herself in a green sleeping bag between jumps, likely to keep her legs warm and active while her rivals had their turn.

She sometimes took it a step further, closing her eyes, lying down with her head on her backpack and sipping from a can of Red Bull.

It was the total opposite to the obsessive routine of Olyslagers, who rates herself on various aspects of her technique by writing in her journal between jumps, a ritual she brought to the Tokyo Games when she won silver and maintained in Paris.

Ukraine high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh wrapped herself up in a sleeping bag between jumps at the Paris Olympics

The gold medal winner was super chill at times, even appearing to take naps in the sleeping bag while she was waiting for her turn to jump

‘Obsessed with how Yaroslava Mahuchikh climbs into a sleeping bag whilst Nicola Olyslagers immediately starts scribbling in her notebook after their high jump attempts, the duality of women,’ one follower posted on social media platform X.

‘Sleeping bag = pro move,’ added another.

‘You could see how both approaches worked so well for each of them. Loved how thoughtful it all was,’ posted another. 

While Aussies would be disappointed our athletes could not claim the gold, Mahuchikh’s journey to the Olympics is the stuff of legends.

In February 2022, Yaroslava Mahuchikh filled her car and escaped Ukraine via gunfire and shells as the Russian invasion ramped up.

Since then, she’s trained and lived in Portugal, Poland, Germany, Belgium, Estonia and other countries in a hugely disruptive preparation for the Paris Games.

Viewers loved seeing Yaroslava Mahuchikh’s laconic approach to the high pressure atmosphere in Paris

Aussie Nicola Olyslagers furiously jotted down notes on her own performance between jumps

Olyslagers, a devout Christian who prays before each jump, says she leaps with “joy for Jesus.”

Her positivity quickly captivated the Stade de France crowd and millions of fans watching at home. She encouraged the spectators before each attempt, beaming with delight every time she cleared her mark.

‘Olyslagers is always smiling too and it’s so infectious,’ one fan posted.

‘Olyslagers’ expressions while competing are something else. Rarely see people show a joyfulness so genuine while competing,’ added another.

‘Nicola Olyslagers is such an icon, her positive energy, her dedication, her whole vibe is amazing. Plus she’s a legendary athlete,’ posted another.