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Patterson flies to Diamond League Final triumph

Eleanor Patterson celebrates her high jump win at the Diamond League Final. (EPA PHOTO)

Eleanor Patterson has triumphed in the high jump to cap off a strong Australian campaign at the two-day Diamond League Final in Brussels.

Patterson had a near flawless night as she clared 2.01m to win from long-time Ukrainian rival Yaroslava Mahuchikh (1.99m) with fellow Australian star Nicola Olyslagers (1.95m) finishing third

The victory came after Aussie young gun Cameron Myers had produced a super finish win the men's 1500m on the first day.  

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Eleanor Patterson clears the bar in Brussels. (EPA PHOTO)

​ “I’m a little bit numb honestly,” Patterson said after improving her fine 2026 season.

 “I know it's not easy to win a Diamond League, but to win a Diamond League final feels incredible.

 “I knew I was in incredible shape, but you have to allow that to come to fruition.

 “I am really, really content with how today turned out.” 

 Olyslagers was already looking ahead after her third placing.

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Nicola Olyslagers was searching for rhythm on her way to third place. (AP PHOTO)

 “Today’s performance was about trying to find the new rhythm, which today wasn’t as successful, but I’m still thankful for having a healthy body and jumping through,” she said. 

 “I have a lot to work on for next week and the Ultimate Championships, but I think we are going to be OK.”

Fellow Australian Jessica Hull improved her consistent season with another podium finish this time third in the 1500m, with a season’s best time of 3:54.73.

 “It’s nice to run the fastest I have all year in September, I think that shows my training works when you want to peak this time of the year,” Hull said.

 “That’s my fastest time since the Prefontaine Classic in 2025, so that’s a good step.

 “I think I’m finding momentum at the right time.” 

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Jessica hull (l) was third behind Polish winner Klaudia Kazimierska in the 1500m (EPA PHOTO)

 In her first race since winning the Commonwealth Games mile gold medal, Abbey Caldwell was seventh in 3:57.19.

 In the 800m, Sarah Billings finished seventh with a time of 1.59.99.

 The focus now turns to the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Hungary that start on September 11.

 However, champion Australian pole vaulter Nina Kennedy has announced her season is over, after she strained her quad muscle while training for the Lausanne Diamond League last month.

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