Olyslagers Soars to Victory Amidst Rain in Diamond League High Jump

Australian high jumper Nicola Olyslagers triumphed in the Diamond League high jump competition held in Switzerland, despite challenging weather conditions. The event took place amidst heavy rain in Lausanne, creating a difficult environment for the athletes. Olyslagers, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, managed to secure a shared victory.

Olyslagers opted to enter the competition at a higher starting height of 1.91m, a decision she initially questioned as the rain intensified. However, her strategy proved successful, as her single successful jump at that height secured her a share of the win. She shared the first-place position with Germany's Christina Honsel and Poland's Maria Żodzik, who also cleared 1.91m. All three athletes were unsuccessful in their attempts at 1.94m.

Eleanor Patterson, another Australian competitor, also cleared 1.91m but failed on her first attempt, resulting in the shared victory for the other three athletes. Ukraine's Olympic champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh withdrew from the competition due to the wet conditions.

Olyslagers's performance highlights her strong form as she prepares for the upcoming world championships, her primary goal for the year. The Diamond League season, with its finals scheduled for Zurich, also provides an additional incentive for her.

In other events, Britain's Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson set a new meeting record in the 800m. Australia's Claudia Hollingsworth finished seventh in the same event. Liam Adcock placed eighth in the long jump, while Jack Rayner finished 16th in the 5000m. Torrie Lewis won the 100m A final. In the 100m, Noah Lyles was defeated by Oblique Seville.