Decoded: Ukrainian high jumper and Olympic gold medallist Yaroslava Mahuchikh’s unique downtime routine

A relaxed and uncluttered mind is of paramount importance in making an athlete put up their best performance, said Dr Sudhir Kumar, neurologist

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | August 21, 2024 11:30 AM IST

3 min read

Gold medallist Yaroslava Mahuchikh of Ukraine celebrates on the podium with her medal. (Reuters)

Ukrainian gold medallist Yaroslava Mahuchikh not only impressed all with her unbeatable high jumps but also her unique downtime routine during the Paris Olympics — lying down in her sleeping bag in between attempts and changing socks to ensure she didn’t trip.

The 22-year-old world record holder’s ritual was soon noticed by hawk-eyed netizens who took to X and wrote many comments including: “Obsessed with climbing into a sleeping bag in between Olympic high jumps”; “My dad said ‘Does she get into her cocoon to become a butterfly for her high jump?’”

“Yaroslava Mahuchikh being so calm in a sleeping bag before getting the gold medal and making the highest jump is iconic,” another user stated.

Later, in an interaction with TIME, she said she feels comfortable whenever she lays down during the competition. She added that she also counts and takes deep breaths, “It’s like, relax, [and] not think about that I’m at [the] stadium.”

According to The New York Times, this routine started in 2018 and helped her secure a Gold at the Youth Olympic Games.

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Intrigued by the fitness icon’s unique routine, we asked an expert how these activities help.

Lying down prevents the pooling of blood and fluids in the legs, which is important to boost a high jumper’s performance, said consultant neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad. “Lying wrapped in a sleeping bag is also mentally relaxing. It gives a feeling that the athlete is not present at the stadium. The athlete also mentioned that she starts counting from one upwards and takes deep breaths – both these activities relax her mind,” Dr Kumar added.

According to Dr Kumar, “a relaxed and uncluttered mind is of paramount importance in making an athlete put up their best performance”.

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Yaroslava Mahuchikh’s unwinding routine (Source: Reuters)

What more? Several reports also suggest that the athlete makes rolling motions with her fingers or wrists to calm herself and visualise her next jump.

“Mental visualisation of the process to achieve the desired outcome before a competitive event gives an extra edge to the athlete,” said Dr Kumar.

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