Patterson and Olyslagers reverse Paris placings

THREE global medallists have carried the momentum of Australian athletics from Paris to Lausanne, with the high-flying Eleanor Patterson, Nicola Olyslagers and Kurtis Marschall all landing on the podium at the Swiss leg of the Diamond League.

Reversing their placings from the Olympic Games last fortnight, Patterson and Olyslagers reinforced Australia’s dominance in the Women’s High Jump, with Patterson taking silver to Ukraine’s Olympic champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh, as Olyslagers rounded out the podium.

Patterson sailed over season’s best of 1.96m on her first attempt – using all three attempts to clear 1.92m, while Olyslagers needed only two jumps to land third place.

“I’m very excited to come away with a season’s best. Honestly, I just had a ball out there. My parents were there with me and I enjoyed having them in the crowd so much – I just had so much fun. I’m happy and I’m in good form so I feel like I can go higher again,” Patterson said.

“Post any major championships is difficult, but especially an Olympics. I certainly felt quite exhausted after the excitement and build-up of the Olympics. The post Olympics slump is real, I’ve been sleeping so much and giving my mind and body time to play catch-up. It’s only been in the last few days that I’ve been feeling a little bit more energised again. Staying in a familiar and home-like space in Italy for the last 10 days has helped me fill up the cup and just enjoy the end of the season.”