Majestic victories for Mahuchikh and Nordas

World champion, Yaroslava Mahuchikh of Ukraine made light work of the high jump field to take the honours with a 2.00m second-time clearance.

The 22-year-old Olympic bronze medalist - the winner at the Stockholm event in the 2020 and 2021 editions - finished a cut above Germany’s Imke Onnen, who registered a 1.94m equal-season’s best in second place. 

Mahuchikh said afterwards: “I am very excited about this competition because it was my first of this season in this important year. But I opened with the 2.00m so it is not excellent, but it is good for the start. 

“I am looking forward to competing in Rome where I will defend my European title and I want to show a better result there. This was my first ever competition with my new run-up so I tried it but I need more practice and I am sure in Rome it will be better.” 

On the track, Norway’s Narve Gillje Nordas - who finished only sixth in Doha and 13th in Oslo over the metric mile - claimed the top spot in the 3,000m here, courtesy of a fine 7:33.49 personal best. 

The 25-year-old Nordas said afterwards: “It was a very small PB but it is still a PB so I am happy to take it of course, especially so soon after a tough race in Oslo on Thursday - my home track, where I lost a shoe. 

“I knew I had some good races in me but you have to come out and prove it so it is great to have my first Diamond League victory. Today and Oslo was also great preparation for the European Champs because of the rounds there and because I am running in 1500 and 5000m. It gives me great confidence before Rome - I go tomorrow on a pre-camp which should be about getting used to the heat but actually Stockholm is hotter than Rome right now!”

Behind him, Switzerland’s Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu finished runner-up with a 7:33.68 season’s best - having won this event in Stockholm back in 2022. 

Nicola Sutton for the BAUHAUS-galan media team.