Ukrainian fans will not witness the long-awaited duel between the two leading domestic high jumpers at the upcoming prestigious Diamond League event. Iryna Herashchenko has been removed from the official entry list for the London competition just a day before the start. This is reported by RBC-Ukraine citing data from the official athletics series website.
Bureaucracy Instead of Sprint
Organizers of the tournament have not yet made any official statements regarding the reasons for Herashchenko's absence. However, the athlete's participation in the London sector was already in serious doubt. Even during the national championship, Iryna admitted in a comment to 'Suspilne Sport' that her trip to the UK entirely depended on the timing of the British visa issuance.
Most likely, it was this bureaucratic delay that thwarted the track and field athlete's plans. Now, instead of competing in London, Herashchenko will focus on direct preparation for the upcoming European Championship. This season, Iryna has only competed in one Diamond League event — in Xiamen, China, where she won a silver medal.
New Opponent and the Main Battle of the Season
The Ukrainian's spot in the sector was quickly given to a representative of Montenegro, Maria Vukovic. The Montenegrin is in excellent form and recently repeated her career personal best (1.98 m) at the competition in Budapest.
Despite Herashchenko's absence, the blue-and-yellow flag will still be represented in London. On Saturday, July 18, world record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh will compete in the sector. She faces a highly principled test: Mahuchikh will meet her main rival — Australian Nicola Olyslagers — in a head-to-head duel for the first time this summer season.
It was previously reported that Yaroslava Mahuchikh participated in the Ukrainian summer championship for the first time in 5 years and triumphed there. Now, all the fans' attention will be focused on how she handles the pressure in the British capital without the support of her main compatriot.
