Eleanor Patterson triumphed in the high jump to cap off a strong Australian campaign at the two-day Diamond League Final in Brussels.
Patterson's near-flawless night
Patterson had a near flawless night as she cleared 2.01m to win from long-time Ukrainian rival Yaroslava Mahuchikh (1.99m) with fellow Australian star Nicola Olyslagers (1.95m) finishing third.
The victory came after Australian young gun Cameron Myers had produced a super win in the men's 1500m on the first day.
Patterson and Olyslagers react
“I'm a little bit numb honestly,” Patterson said after improving her fine 2026 season. “I know it's not easy to win a Diamond League, but to win a Diamond League final feels incredible. I knew I was in incredible shape, but you have to allow that to come to fruition. I am really, really content with how today turned out.”
Olyslagers was already looking ahead after her third placing. “Today's performance was about trying to find the new rhythm, which today wasn't as successful, but I'm still thankful for having a healthy body and jumping through. I have a lot to work on for next week and the Ultimate Championships, but I think we are going to be OK.”
Hull's podium finish
Australian middle-distance star Jess Hull improved her consistent season with another podium finish this time third in the 1500m, with a season's best time of 3:54.73. “It's nice to run the fastest I have all year in September. I think that shows my training works when you want to peak this time of the year,” Hull said. “That's my fastest time since the Prefontaine Classic in 2025, so that's a good step. I think I'm finding momentum at the right time.”
In her first race since winning the Commonwealth Games mile gold medal, Abbey Caldwell was seventh in 3:57.19. In the 800m, Sarah Billings finished seventh with a time of 1.59.99.
Next steps
The focus now turns to the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest, starting on 11 September. However, champion Australian pole vaulter Nina Kennedy has announced her season is over after she strained her quad muscle while training for the Lausanne Diamond League last month.
