World record holder and reigning world champion in the women’s high jump, Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh, is celebrating her 24th birthday today.
In previous years, the athletics star had time to relax during her special day: two years ago she celebrated in New York, where she received a marriage proposal from her partner Nazar Stepanov, while last year she spent the day at a water park.
This year, however, her schedule is far more demanding. Competing at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo, Mahuchikh is marking her birthday right at the heart of the action. Just yesterday, she advanced confidently to the final by clearing 1.92m on her very first attempt. The medal showdown in the women’s high jump is set for Sunday, giving her a short break to enjoy the occasion and receive warm greetings.
Early in the day, Mahuchikh shared photos and videos on social media, showing birthday wishes from teammates, including fellow high jumper Kateryna Tabashnyk. Later, she posted snapshots from a celebratory walk around Tokyo, with stops at a restaurant and a car showroom. She captioned her post simply and symbolically: “Chapter 24.”
Mahuchikh turns 24 with an extraordinary résumé already behind her:
World record holder (2.10m), surpassing a 37-year-old mark.
Olympic champion (Paris 2024, 2.00m) and Tokyo 2021 bronze medalist (2.00m).
World Championships medals: Doha 2019 – silver (2.04m); Eugene 2022 – silver (2.02m); Budapest 2023 – gold (2.01m), Ukraine’s first world title in 10 years.
World Indoor Championships: Belgrade 2022 – gold (2.02m); Glasgow 2024 – silver (1.97m); Nanjing 2025 – bronze (1.95m).
European champion twice outdoors (2022, 2024).
Three-time European indoor champion (2021, 2023, 2025).
Diamond League champion three years in a row (2022, 2023, 2024).
And this is only at the senior level.
