In athletics, an event has occurred that significantly changes the balance of power for the upcoming stage of the most prestigious series of competitions. Ukrainian fans will not see the long-awaited duel between two leading domestic high jumpers at the Diamond League stage in London. Iryna Herashchenko has been removed from the official tournament entry list just before the start.
RBC-Ukraine confirms this information citing data from the official website of the athletics series. The tournament organizers have not yet made official statements regarding the reasons for Herashchenko's absence. However, the athlete's participation in the British sector was already in serious doubt due to bureaucratic nuances.
Reason for the cancellation: visa issues
During the national championship, Iryna Herashchenko admitted in a comment to the publication "Suspilne Sport" that her trip to the United Kingdom entirely depends on the timing of the British visa application. Most likely, the delay in obtaining the document hindered the 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 stage — in Xiamen, China, where she won a silver medal.
New opponent and main intrigue
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 competitions in Budapest.
Despite Herashchenko's absence, the blue-and-yellow flag will be represented in London. On Saturday, July 18, world record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh will compete in the sector. She faces a super-principled test: Mahuchikh will meet her main rival — Australian Nikola Olsager — in a head-to-head duel for the first time this summer season.
It was previously reported that Yaroslava Mahuchikh participated in the summer Ukrainian championship for the first time in 5 years and triumphed there. Now, all attention will be focused on whether she can maintain her leadership in the absence of her compatriot.
