The World Athletics federation has barred all Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in the event in Eugene, Oregon, in response to the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
And the 20-year-old Mahuchikh, who leads this year’s world rankings with a jump of 2.03 m, agrees.
'I believe we will win'
In March, just weeks after the Russian invasion began, Mahuchikh won the indoor world championship in Belgrade, Serbia, after fleeing her home city of Dnipro by car.
She hopes to achieve similar success in Eugene to raise the spirits of her compatriots.
“Hopefully it will be good news for the Ukrainian people," Mahuchikh said. "It is difficult mentally, but I believe we will win and come back to our life and will always remember this period of time."
'February 24 changed everything'
Mahuchikh's chances have been boosted by the expulsion of Russia’s three-time world champion and Tokyo Olympics gold medal winner Mariya Lasitskene.
Like the rest of the Russian athletes, Lasitskene has been banned from competing in the world championships.
Mariya Lasitskene celebrates winning the women's high jump at the Tokyo Olympics on Aug. 7, 2021. Kyodo Photo via PAP/Newscom
Mahuchikh commented: “Before February 24 we had a good relationship, we talked. But this day changed everything ...”
She added: “Our people die because they're Ukrainian. I don't want to see on the track killers because it's really killed a lot of sportsmen this war.”
Friday is day 142 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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Source: PAP, msn.com