Yaroslava Mahuchikh — Biography

Yaroslava Mahuchikh, born on September 19, 2001, is a prominent Ukrainian athlete specializing in the high jump. Her exceptional talent has propelled her to world-leading status. Mahuchikh earned a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She has secured silver medals at the World Championships in both 2019 and 2022. Her collection of gold medals includes victories at the European Indoor Championships in 2021 and 2023, the 2022 World Indoor Championships, the European Championships in 2022 and 2024, and the 2023 World Championships. Most recently, she claimed the gold medal in the high jump at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In July 2024, Mahuchikh etched her name in history by surpassing Stefka Kostadinova's 37-year-old world record, clearing a height of 2.10 meters at a Diamond League competition in Paris. Her indoor personal best, also a Ukrainian national record, stands at 2.06 meters, achieved in 2021. As of December 2024, Mahuchikh commands a substantial online presence with 441,000 followers on Instagram. She is engaged to Nazar Stepanov, a Ukrainian hurdler and national record holder, who is also the son of her coach, Tetiana Stepanova. In an interview with Athletistic in October 2024, Mahuchikh revealed that the ongoing Russian invasion prevented her and Stepanov from holding their wedding in Ukraine, a crucial detail as they desired to celebrate with family and friends gathered there.