The 32nd edition of the Tipos Banskobystrická latka, held in the vibrant Nuclear Sports Hall in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, delivered an unforgettable spectacle of athletic prowess. As part of the World Athletics Indoor Tour Silver, this premier one-day high jump competition drew a passionate crowd of 2,000 fans and featured elite athletes from around the globe. Known as Slovakia’s top athletics event, it showcased record-breaking performances and intense rivalries, with meeting records standing tall: 2.06m for women by Yaroslava Mahuchikh (2021) and 2.40m for men by Mutaz Essa Barshim (2015). Absent were some Ukrainian and American stars due to national championships, but the fields remained world-class.
Women’s High Jump: Soaring to New Records
The women’s competition kicked off with 12 top-tier athletes, including three world championship finalists from Tokyo. The bar started at 1.75m, progressing through heights that tested technique, endurance, and nerve. Key contenders included Serbia’s Angelina Topic, the 2024 winner here with a bronze from Tokyo and an indoor personal best (PB) of 1.98m; Jamaica’s Lamar Distin, boasting a 2.02m outdoor PB; and Sweden’s Louise Ekman, who had been shattering her PBs this season.
As the heights rose, the drama unfolded. Most cleared 1.80m and 1.85m, but Germany’s Christina Hansel was eliminated at 1.85m. At 1.90m, the field narrowed, with Ekman, Britany Vman, and others pushing forward. Ekman achieved a PB of 1.92m, then stunned with clearances at 1.94m and 1.96m—her third PB of the night and a qualifier for the World Indoors.
The climax came at 1.98m: Topic cleared it for a new PB, while Distin and Australia’s Elena Patterson faltered. Topic then conquered 2.00m on her first attempt, setting a Serbian national record and securing victory. Her attempt at 2.02m fell short, but the crowd erupted in applause. Final standings: Topic at 2.00m (1st, €2000 prize), Distin at 1.96m (2nd, €1000), and Ekman at 1.96m (3rd, €1000). Other notables included Guinea’s Fatmata Bailey, Montenegro’s Maria Vukovic, and Cuba’s Daxi Brisson in her indoor debut.
In a post-win interview, Topic shared her elation: “I came to this competition with the only thought of uh I have to jump two meters… very very happy… excited to see what’s coming next.”
Men’s High Jump: Depth and Dominance
Transitioning seamlessly, the men’s event featured 13 athletes, starting at 2.12m. Legends like Mutaz Essa Barshim (meeting record holder) were present as guests, adding prestige. Standouts included Korea’s Woo Sang-hyeok (three-time winner here, world indoor champion), Poland’s Mateusz Klosinski (joint world leader at 2.30m), and the Bahamas’ Donald Thomas (41 years old, 2007 world champion).
The competition highlighted stunning depth: 12 of 13 cleared 2.22m. Donald Thomas thrilled the crowd with a 2.22m clearance on his third attempt, setting a world over-40 indoor best. As heights climbed to 2.26m and beyond, seven athletes cleared 2.26m first time.
Czech Republic’s Jan Štefela emerged victorious, clearing 2.32m—a world lead and indoor PB—flawless until a minor hiccup at 2.30m. Japan’s Tomohiro Shinno took second with 2.30m (indoor PB and world lead tie), improving his best three times. Woo Sang-hyeok claimed third at 2.30m (season’s best), despite a bandaged ankle.
Other highlights: Poland’s Mateusz Klosinski at 2.28m, USA’s Remain Beckford, Mexico’s Eric Portillo, and Japan’s Naoto Hasegawa at 2.26m. Eliminations included Cuba’s Luis Enrique Zayas at 2.22m. Technical notes from commentator Phil Mitchell included run-up adjustments and bar wobbles, with music like “Don’t Stop Me Now” energizing the jumps.
Thomas, a fan favorite, reflected: “Once you call me, you know I’m going to be here. So, just let me know.”
Event Highlights and Atmosphere
The event pulsed with energy: rhythmic crowd claps, athlete celebrations like backflips, and special appearances by high jump icons Dwight Stones, Carlo Thränhardt, and Barshim, who presented medals alongside crystal vases and checks. Prize money extended to the top eight, incentivizing every jump. The Slovak national anthem and mayor’s welcome speech added local flavor.
Banská Bystrica, Slovakia’s sixth-largest city but athletics capital, proved why it’s beloved by jumpers worldwide—despite its remote location. This meeting not only qualified athletes for the World Indoor Championships but also celebrated the sport’s history and future stars.
Video Source: YouTube
