Hull took the approach from the outset to go with Kipyegon, see how long she could hold on for and see where it took her. It took her to a time of 3:50.83, a new personal best and national record.
“I knew I was going to go with Faith today. I’m going to die trying today, I don’t want to die wondering. Down the backstretch, she kept looking at me, and I was like, ‘She’s surprised I’m still here,’ and I’m like, ‘I’m surprised I’m still here!’ I can always run another 200, so I’m stoked,” Hull told Citius Mag.
Faith Kipyegon on her way to a record victory in Paris, with Jessica Hull behind her.Credit: Getty Images
She added: “Having grown up watching Faith and then competing against her on the circuit, I have always believed in what she was doing, and to get so close to her today is mind-blowing. She was the first one to humanise these times for us girls.
“I said to myself that I’m basically running a 1100m race today, and if I get further, then I get further.”
After clearing 2.03m and being certain of victory Mahuchikh moved the bar to 2.07m and broke the Ukrainian national record.
She raised the bar to the world record height 2.10m and cleared it with her first attempt.
Nicola Olyslagers salutes the crowd at Stade Charlety in Paris.Credit: Getty Images
“Coming into this competition, I had feelings that I could jump 2.07m and maybe 2.10m,” the 22-year-old said.
“Finally, I signed Ukraine to the history of world athletics.
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“My coach told me that maybe I should stop because I have the Olympic Games coming up – and, of course, that is more important – but I felt inside I could do it.”
Australia’s other medal hope in the high jump, the 2022 world champion Eleanor Patterson, finished fifth, leaping 1.95m.
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