Australia Has Got a High Jump World Champion!

By: Celina Cai

Eleanor Patterson has become the first Australian woman to win gold in the high jump at the World Athletics Championship.

This amazing 26-year-old won with a jump of 2.02m.

“I’m actually, honestly in disbelief,” she said. “It’s crazy to think, I’m going to be shaking my head in disbelief for the whole week, month, year, who knows?

The Aussie almost lost when she missed a 1.98m on her first try, but she quickly recovered on her second, and went on to make a 2.00m jump. Then, on her last try, she jumped 2.02m.

“I knew I could clear that height, and to do that on the first attempt was amazing,” Patterson said. “I’m overjoyed I could even clear that height. I knew it was within me but to bring it out tonight under such pressure, I’m just so proud of myself.”

But sadly, she quit the sport in 2019. She found hope again when Australia’s leading high jump coach, Alex Stewart, convinced her to continue training with him. Later, Patterson went on to place fifth at the Toyoko Olympics and won silver at the 2022 World Athletics Indoor Championships.