Eleanor Patterson delivered a near-flawless performance to win the women's high jump at the two-day Diamond League Final in Brussels, clearing 2.01m to defeat long-time Ukrainian rival Yaroslava Mahuchikh, who jumped 1.99m, while fellow Australian Nicola Olyslagers took third with 1.95m.
Patterson's 'incredible' victory
Patterson, who improved her already strong 2026 season, expressed disbelief after the win. "I'm a little bit numb honestly," she said. "I know it's not easy to win a Diamond League, but to win a Diamond League final feels incredible. I knew I was in incredible shape, but you have to allow that to come to fruition. I am really, really content with how today turned out."
The victory capped a strong Australian campaign at the meet, following Cameron Myers' win in the men's 1500m on the first day. Myers had shone in a star-studded field to take the title.
Olyslagers and Hull look ahead
Olyslagers, who finished third, was already focusing on upcoming challenges. "Today's performance was about trying to find the new rhythm, which today wasn't as successful, but I'm still thankful for having a healthy body and jumping through," she said. "I have a lot to work on for next week and the Ultimate Championships, but I think we are going to be OK."
In the women's 1500m, Australian middle-distance star Jess Hull secured another podium finish, taking third with a season's best time of 3:54.73. "It's nice to run the fastest I have all year in September. I think that shows my training works when you want to peak this time of the year," Hull said. "That's my fastest time since the Prefontaine Classic in 2025, so that's a good step. I think I'm finding momentum at the right time."
Other Australian results and upcoming events
Abbey Caldwell, in her first race since winning the Commonwealth Games mile gold medal, finished seventh in the 1500m with a time of 3:57.19. In the 800m, Sarah Billings placed seventh with a time of 1:59.99.
Attention now shifts to the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest, starting on 11 September. However, champion Australian pole vaulter Nina Kennedy has announced her season is over after straining her quad muscle while training for the Lausanne Diamond League last month.
