In a display of sheer dominance and technical brilliance, Australian high jump sensation Nicola Olyslagers has been crowned the 2025 Wanda Diamond League champion. The Olympic silver medallist put on a masterclass at the Allianz Memorial Van Damme meeting in Brussels, leaving her rivals in the dust and sending a powerful message to the athletics world.
Olyslagers, known for her radiant positivity as much as her soaring leaps, needed just three clearances to secure the title and the coveted Diamond Trophy. She entered the competition at 1.92m and soared over 1.97m on her first attempt, a height that ultimately proved insurmountable for the rest of the field.
A Record-Breaking Performance
The victory was sealed with a new meet record leap of 2.01 metres, adding another prestigious line to her growing list of accolades. This performance not only demonstrates her incredible consistency at the highest level but also marks her as the undeniable favourite heading into the next major global championships.
Her arch-rival, world champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh of Ukraine, could only manage a best of 1.97m, finishing second. Poland’s Angelina Topić joined her on the podium in third place, but the night belonged unequivocally to the Australian.
Overcoming Adversity
The win is a testament to Olyslagers' resilience after a challenging period. A hip injury had disrupted her season, forcing a late start and casting a shadow of doubt over her form. This triumphant victory in Brussels silences any critics and proves her physical and mental strength is at its peak.
'It's been a journey this season,' Olyslagers reflected after her win. 'To come here and jump a meet record and win the Diamond League is something I'm incredibly proud of.'
The Road Ahead
With the Diamond League title secured, Olyslagers has firmly established herself as the woman to beat. This commanding performance sets the stage for an electrifying rivalry with Mahuchikh in the coming seasons, promising thrilling head-to-head battles for athletics fans around the globe.
Her focus will now shift to maintaining this golden form and preparing to convert her silver from previous global games into the ultimate gold.
