Olympics 2024 fans ‘obsessed’ as they spot gold medallist slip into sleeping bag mid-contest with reason revealed
UKRAINIAN high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh stunned fans with how she prepared for each leap as she became Olympic champion on Sunday.
On her way to winning gold Mahuchikh entertained the crowd by hopping into a green sleeping bag between her jumps.
APYaroslava Mahuchikh won gold in the women’s high jump on Sunday[/caption]
AFPMahuchikh entertained the crowd by hopping into a green sleeping bag in between her jumps[/caption]
AlamyThe Ukrainian star would even close her eyes and lie down with her head on her backpack[/caption]
While Australians Nicola Olyslagers and Eleanor Patterson achieved the silver and bronze medals in the event – Mahuchikh was the star of the show.
The 22-year-old wrapped herself in the sleeping bag as her rivals took their jumps.
At some points of the event the star would even close her eyes, lie down with her head on her backpack and sip from a can of Red Bull.
Reacting to Mahchikh unusual actions, one fan said: “Obsessed with how Yaroslava Mahuchikh climbs into a sleeping bag.”
While another added: “Yaroslava Mahuchikh being so calm in a sleeping bag before getting the gold medal and making the highest jump is iconic.”
A third then put: “Yaroslava Mahuchikh of Ukraine seems to be napping in a green sleeping bag between her high jumps. This is fantastic.”
Mahuchikh’s bizarre routine between jumps began in 2018, the year she placed first at the Youth Olympic Games.
Her coach Serhii Stepanov suggested that sitting too long between jumps meant blood pooled in Mahuchikh’s legs – so the sleeping bag idea was born.
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Mahuckikh enters a competition with a backpack that contains a yoga mat, her sleeping bag and changes of socks.
When the Ukranian rests between her jumps, laying in the sleeping bag with her spikes off stops her from becoming stiff and minimises any pain.
Sometimes Mahuchikh makes rolling motions with her fingers or wrists to help calm her and to visualise the next jump.
She said: “Lying down helps you feel relaxed and comfortable, so you will be ready for the next jump.”
Paris Olympics with 300k condoms
Nearly 15,000 residents – around 10,500 of which are athletes – will be cramming into the Olympic village between July 26 and August 11.
To ensure the athletes feel at home, a number of provisions have been made by organisers.
One of these is the stocking of some 300,000 condoms, in theory enough for around two every day during the run of the Games.
A number of Olympic athletes have opened the door on their steamy lives behind-the-scenes when in camp, including huge sex orgies and parties.
London 2012 had claimed the title of “the raunchiest Games ever”, but the 150,000 condoms ordered paled in comparison to the 450,000 ordered for the Rio Games four years later.
Condoms have been laid on by organisers at every game since Seoul 1988, when it they were used to spread awareness of HIV and AIDS.
Even with an intimacy ban at Tokyo 2020 due to Covid-19, some 150,000 johnnies were handed out.
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