Kulichenko makes history, reaches Olympic high jump final

Cypriot high jumper Elena Kulichenko has advanced to the high jump final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. With a best jump of 1.92 meters on her first attempt, she secured her place in the final, which will take place on August 4, at 8.50pm Cyprus time.

This achievement marks the first time a Cypriot female athlete has competed in an Olympic track and field final since Cyprus began participating under its own flag.

In a packed Stade de France, with her family cheering on, Kulichenko cleared 1.83 metres on her first attempt, followed by 1.88 metres on her second attempt. She then comfortably cleared 1.92 metres on her first try, securing her spot among the 13 athletes in the final. She also attempted 1.95 metres but failed to clear it in three tries.

Kulichenko finished seventh in the high jump qualifiers, achieving her goal of reaching the final.

High jump has a history of Cypriot male finalists, including Kyriakos Ioannou, who finished 13th at the London 2012 Olympics and seventh at the Rio 2016 Olympics, and Demetris Chondrokoukis, who finished 12th in Rio in 2016.

In the mixed zone, Kulichenko said she was excited “about making history”.

“It was my goal. I know it wasn’t perfect. I am very happy, grateful and ready for Sunday. I appreciate all the support I receive. I am very proud to be in Sunday’s final and will try to make Cyprus proud,” she said, adding that it has been her dream since she was seven years old to compete in the Olympics.