The 26th edition of the Hustopečské skákání in Hustopeče, Czech Republic, delivered another unforgettable chapter in indoor athletics history. As part of the World Athletics Indoor Tour Silver series, this prestigious high jump event showcased world-class talent, personal bests, and nail-biting drama on February 7, 2026. With a lively crowd cheering on and the mascot “Quack” adding to the festive atmosphere, athletes from around the globe pushed their limits in pursuit of glory—and qualification for the upcoming World Indoor Championships in Poland from March 20-22.
Broadcast live by European Athletics, the competition featured both women’s and men’s finals, highlighting the depth of international high jump talent. Defending champions, Olympic medalists, and rising stars all vied for the top spots, with records tantalizingly close but ultimately unbroken. Here’s a breakdown of the action-packed event.
Women’s High Jump: Patterson’s Commanding Victory
The women’s competition kicked off at 5:00 CET with 13 athletes tackling an opening height of 1.72m. Australia’s Eleanor Patterson, the 2022 world champion and Olympic bronze medalist with a personal best (PB) of 2.02m, entered as the clear favorite—and she didn’t disappoint.
Early heights saw smooth clearances from most competitors, including Ukraine’s Katarina Tabashnik (PB 1.99m), Jamaica’s Fatimata Baah (PB 1.92m), and Cyprus’s Elena Kulichenko (a Russian-born athlete with recent strong form). Local hopes like Czechia’s Renata Lannikova (PB 1.85m) and young prospect Leava (19 years old) added hometown flavor, though the latter gained valuable experience despite early exits.
As the bar rose to 1.86m and beyond, the field narrowed. Patterson cruised through, her technique flawless and confidence evident. At 1.90m, she joined an elite group including Baah, Tabashnik, Jamaica’s Lamar Distin (2024 Olympic silver medalist), and Germany’s Imke Onen in clearing the mark.
The real tension built at 1.93m, where Patterson maintained her lead, while Distin and Onen also succeeded. Pushing to 1.96m, Patterson nailed it on her second attempt, securing the win and an automatic qualifier for the World Indoors. She then eyed the meeting record of 2.00m, set by Germany’s Ariane Friedrich in 2009, but fell short after three valiant tries.
Final standings:
- 1st: Eleanor Patterson (Australia) – 1.96m
- 2nd: Lamar Distin (Jamaica) – 1.93m
- 3rd: Imke Onen (Germany) – 1.93m (decided by countback)
Patterson’s post-event joy was palpable: “I had so much fun out there… I love it here.” Unfortunately, Greece’s Panagiota Dossi withdrew due to an injury during warm-up, a reminder of the sport’s physical demands. Other notables included the Netherlands’ Blankar Antonio, who showed promising improvements in her PB.
This victory reinforces Patterson’s status as a high jump powerhouse, building momentum toward the global stage.
Men’s High Jump: Kolvski’s Personal Best Bonanza
Following a short break, the men’s final began at 7:00 CET with 13 jumpers starting at 2.12m. The field was stacked, featuring South Korea’s Woo Sang-hyeok (reigning world indoor champion, PB 2.36m), USA’s Olympic silver medalist Shelby McEwen, and a mix of veterans and newcomers.
Early action saw widespread clearances, but the bar at 2.25m separated the contenders. Poland’s Matias Kolvski equaled his PB right away, setting the tone for a remarkable night. Japan’s Nayato Hagawa impressed with an indoor best at 2.25m, later smashing his overall PB twice more. Turkey’s Ole Doruk and Mexico’s Eric Portillo (along with his brother) also shone, with Portillo notching an indoor best.
At 2.28m, Hagawa claimed a new PB, Doruk cleared confidently, but Woo surprisingly faltered, exiting earlier than expected. The drama peaked at 2.30m: Kolvski soared over for his second PB of the evening, matched by Hagawa in a thrilling duel. Doruk bowed out at this height, settling for third.
Both leaders attempted 2.32m, but Kolvski couldn’t quite conquer it after three efforts, while Hagawa retired following a mid-jump collision. The win went to Kolvski, capping a breakout performance with multiple personal milestones.
Final standings:
- 1st: Matias Kolvski (Poland) – 2.30m (new PBs at 2.25m, 2.28m, and 2.30m)
- 2nd: Nayato Hagawa (Japan) – 2.30m (new PBs at 2.28m and 2.30m)
- 3rd: Ole Doruk (Turkey) – 2.28m
Commentators praised the technical precision, noting how athletes like Kolvski mastered bringing their legs cleanly over the bar. The event underscored Poland’s growing high jump legacy and provided crucial points in the World Athletics Indoor Tour standings.
A Legacy of Excellence Continues
Hustopeče’s meeting records remain intact—2.00m for women (Friedrich, 2009) and 2.38m for men (shared by Russia’s Ivan Ukhov in 2011 and Romania’s Jean Marc Roșioru in 2016)—but the 2026 edition was no less spectacular. With over 9,000 views already on the European Athletics YouTube stream, it’s clear this event captivates fans worldwide.
As athletes gear up for the World Indoor Championships, performances like Patterson’s dominant display and Kolvski’s PB spree signal exciting times ahead for track and field.
