Olyslagers Lands Life-Changing Payday in High Jump

Nicola Olyslagers has earned the biggest payday of her high jump career, despite missing out on the top spot at the Ultimate Championship in Budapest. The Australian world champion cleared 1.95m on the first night of the event, securing a runner-up spot and a $US75,000 prize.

A surprise windfall

Olyslagers was beaten to the title by Ukraine's Olympic champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh, who leapt 1.99m. However, Olyslagers' second-place finish earned her a significant sum, which she only discovered after speaking to reporters.

"What? Really? I genuinely thought it was just first prize got the 150k and second was like 10,000," she said.

"You are the bearer of good news. That's fantastic."

Olyslagers struggled with her approach on the difficult surface, but managed to clear 1.95m on her final attempt, securing second place. She expressed her delight at the result, saying:

"That's the happiest I've ever been after a 1.95. I think I celebrated as if I'd won the whole competition and it was a really good jump," she said.

"It just showed tonight that all of us were a little bit tired but I mean, that 95 jump, I'm still living off that."

Domestic rival's frustrating night

Eleanor Patterson, Olyslagers' domestic rival, had a disappointing night, clearing 1.91m to take joint third place. Patterson expressed her frustration at the result:

"It's the lowest I've jumped all year. Really, really frustrating," she said.

"After the best season of my life I really wanted to enjoy it but I didn't really."

Other Australian results

Kurtis Marschall finished fourth in the pole vault with a best of 5.95m, while Ky Robinson gave a strong performance in the 5,000m but ultimately finished outside the top three. Sarah Billings qualified for the 800m final, and Abbey Caldwell, Jess Hull, Mackenzie Little, and Lachlan Kennedy will also be in action on the final day.