Competition's intense heat can trigger stress, but for Mahuchikh, she manages to keep her composure
Yaroslava Mahuchikh, the current queen of the high jump, hails from Ukraine. She has made history by winning Olympic, World, and European titles, as well as holding a world record in her sport.
Mahuchikh finds solace in simple pleasures, such as walks in the city or on the beach, listening to music, or reading audiobooks. These activities help her relax and unwind, providing a much-needed break from the rigours of training and competition.
The high jump star believes that some skills were present since childhood but require development and improvement through years in sports. She emphasizes the importance of psychological preparation, stating that if an athlete doesn't believe in themselves, they won't achieve results.
Mahuchikh is a family person and spends a lot of time abroad, missing her family. Communication with her family, coach, and team is crucial to her, and they provide her with energy and support. Her family, coach, and team play a significant role in her journey, helping her remain calm and focused before performances.
Before each competition, Mahuchikh has rituals to calm herself down. She takes deep breaths through her nose and exhales through her mouth, does finger exercises, and counts her steps. She also emphasizes the importance of visualization techniques and positive self-talk during her training and competitions.
Mahuchikh is resilient, approaching life situations more calmly due to her involvement in sports. She admits to getting nervous before every competition, but sees it as an incentive. She believes that sport helps in becoming more resilient and approaching life situations more calmly.
In a competition in Doha, Mahuchikh initially thought she had jumped 198cm, but it was recorded as 196cm. She then raised the bar by two centimetres and won on the first attempt due to her confidence. This incident showcases her unwavering belief in herself and her ability to perform under pressure.
Mahuchikh advises athletes to protect themselves from internal pressure and emotional stress by focusing on their goals and analyzing what works for them. She separates her personal life from training and sports, treating the stadium as a corner for achieving future results.
In February 2022, Mahuchikh needed to take time to plan her next steps. Despite the challenges, she remains focused and determined, ready to continue her reign as the queen of the high jump.
