Ukrainian high jumper Yuliya Levchenko clinched victory at the prestigious Paavo Nurmi Games, part of the World Continental Tour, held in Turku, Finland. This event marked her second international competition in just a few days, following a fourth-place finish at the Diamond League stage in Rabat, where she cleared 1.91 meters.
During the competition in Finland, Levchenko faced a field of seven jumpers. She successfully cleared the initial three heights, including 1.87 meters, without any errors. She managed to clear both 1.91 meters and 1.94 meters on her second attempts.
After surpassing 1.94 meters, Levchenko and Jamaican athlete Lamara Distin were the only competitors remaining. Levchenko cleared 1.97 meters on her third attempt, while Distin was unable to make the height. Following her victory, Levchenko attempted to set a new personal best by aiming for 2.00 meters, but her first two attempts were unsuccessful. She then adjusted her target to 2.03 meters, yet she was unable to clear that height as well.
Levchenko’s winning jump of 1.97 meters was sufficient for her to secure the top spot at this elite tournament. This season, she has only surpassed this height twice, with a personal best of 1.99 meters achieved earlier this year.
Final Standings – Women’s High Jump at Paavo Nurmi Games:
- 1. Yuliya Levchenko (Ukraine) — 1.97 m
- 2. Lamara Distin (Jamaica) — 1.94 m
- 3-4. Louise Ekman (Sweden) — 1.91 m
- 3-4. Ella Mikkola (Finland) — 1.91 m
In the current summer season, this marks Levchenko’s second victory, having previously won at the Diamond League event in Xiamen, China, where she achieved a height of 1.99 meters, with Irina Gerashchenko taking the silver medal.
Yuliya Levchenko secured a win at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland, with a jump of 1.97 meters. This victory follows her recent fourth-place finish at the Diamond League in Rabat.