Olympic gold medal at last for high jumper Lasitskene
Russian athlete Marija Lasitskene fulfilled her Olympic dream when she claimed the elusive Olympic gold medal after not being allowed to compete in 2016. Lasitskene, who dominated the sport with three world titles between 2015 and 2019 but had some problems this year, soared to a best 2.04 metres when it mattered. She could not […]
Russian athlete Marija Lasitskene fulfilled her Olympic dream when she claimed the elusive Olympic gold medal after not being allowed to compete in 2016.
Lasitskene, who dominated the sport with three world titles between 2015 and 2019 but had some problems this year, soared to a best 2.04 metres when it mattered.
She could not help but cry tears of joy and relief.
The Russian was pushed hard by Australian Nicola McDermott who had a personal best 2.02m.
Pre-competition favourite Yaroslava Mahuchikh of Ukraine took bronze with 2.00m.
Lasitskene could not compete in Rio owing to a suspension of the Russian athletics federation in connection with doping, with only U.S-based long jumper Darya Klichina allowed in.
The suspension is yet to be lifted and only 10 Russians could perform as neutral athletes in Tokyo, with Lasitskene getting their only gold.
