Yaroslava Mahuchikh continues to redefine greatness in women’s high jump. The 24-year-old world record holder recently secured her second World Indoor title, adding yet another milestone to a glittering career.
Her résumé already includes Olympic gold and bronze medals, eight World Championships medals (indoor and outdoor, including three golds), three Diamond League Final victories, and five European titles. And, of course, the historic 2.10m world record, the highest mark ever cleared by a woman.
Behind every leap stands her long-time coach Tetiana Stepanova — a key figure in Mahuchikh’s rise, even if she remains largely out of the spotlight. Here are some lesser-known facts about the coach behind one of athletics’ brightest stars.
A High Jump Coach Who Never Competed in High Jump
Despite her success in the discipline, Stepanova never competed in high jump herself. Her background is in hurdling, as was her husband’s. Today, the family tradition continues through their son, Nazar Stepanov.
The Move That Changed Everything
Mahuchikh and Stepanova began working together in 2011, when the coach joined a sports school in Dnipro. Initially, Mahuchikh trained under two coaches — Olena Kutsenko and Stepanova — before eventually choosing to continue exclusively with Stepanova.
As Stepanova once joked, her former colleague still “looks at her sideways” over that decision. Mahuchikh, however, has repeatedly said it was her own choice — the connection between athlete and coach was immediate.
Learning the Event Together
Interestingly, Mahuchikh was initially considered for hurdling before her potential in high jump became clear.
As a result, coach and athlete effectively learned the event together. Stepanova immersed herself in the technical details of high jump, studying every nuance to help her athlete master the discipline.
“When Yaroslava came to me, I started digging deep — learning how to make her a champion,” Stepanova once said.
Mahuchikh, in turn, proved to be a dedicated student — and the results speak for themselves.
One Room, One Team
During training camps, Mahuchikh and Stepanova often share the same room — a rare level of closeness in elite sport.
“It’s comfortable for us,” Mahuchikh has said. “Tetiana Volodymyrivna is often like a friend — though, of course, she’s stricter. You need character with her. In high jump, it’s impossible without it.”
More Than Just Coach and Athlete?
Their relationship could become even closer. Mahuchikh is in a relationship with Stepanova’s son, Nazar Stepanov.
The two have known each other since childhood, spending years together at training camps and competitions. However, their relationship developed later, with Nazar making the first move by inviting her to the cinema.
Today, the world champion often shares moments with him on social media, while their families maintain a close bond — Mahuchikh’s mother is known for welcoming them after competitions with home-cooked meals.
