Kulichenko makes history for Cyprus in Olympic high jump final

Cyprus’ high jump athlete Elena Kulichenko finished seventh in the High Jump final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, making history as the first female Cypriot athlete to compete in an Olympic final in her first participation in the Games.

On Sunday, Kulichenko cleared 1.86 meters on her first attempt, 1.91 meters on her second, and 1.95 meters on her third. She then had three unsuccessful attempts at 1.98 meters, tying for seventh place with Uzbekistan's Safina Sadullayeva, who also recorded a best jump of 1.95 meters this season.

Kulichenko, coached by Ryan Baily, expressed mixed feelings about her performance, saying, "Yes, I know, which is why my feelings are mixed. I was very close but I feel great, and this will make me even more hungry for distinction next year.”

The packed "Stade de France" stadium and the supportive crowd enhanced her experience. "The crowd was amazing; I enjoyed it and had a great time," she said. She added that the final was less stressful than the qualifying round, allowing her to stay calm and focused despite the failed attempts.

The Greek champion Tatiana Gusin placed ninth with a jump of 1.86 meters. The gold medal went to Ukraine's Yaroslava Mahuchikh with a 2.00-meter jump on her first attempt. Australia's Nicola Olyslagers won silver with a 2.00-meter jump on her third attempt, while bronze was shared by Ukraine's Iryna Gerashchenko and Australia's Eleanor Patterson.

Reflecting on her performance, Kulichenko said, "I am very satisfied with the result of 1.95 meters. I have only managed to clear 1.95 meters once in my career, so I am pleased with both the effort and the result.”

Kulichenko also commented on her role as the flag bearer for Cyprus during the opening ceremony, sharing the honor with teammate Milan Trajković. "It was an honor to share the flag of Cyprus with Milan and my teammates during the opening ceremony. I am grateful to the Federation for their support," she said.

Being the first Cypriot woman in track and field to participate in an Olympic final was an incredible milestone for Kulichenko. "It's an incredible feeling; it's a dream come true. Honestly, if someone had told me a few years ago that I would have this opportunity, I would not have believed it at all,” she added.