Why One of the Biggest Stars at 2024 Olympics Was Lying Wrapped in a Sleeping Bag before She Won Gold

• Yaroslava Mahuchikh's unique downtime routine caught the public's eye.
• She changes her socks between jumps to keep her grip.
• Fans were fascinated by her use of a sleeping bag during the competition.

Freshly crowned high jump gold medalist Yaroslava Mahuchikh has captivated the public with her unique downtime activities during the competition. She even changed her socks between jumps and shared the reason behind it.

Yaroslava Mahuchikh won the women's high jump final at the Stade de France on August 4, 2024. Australian native, Nicola Olyslagers, secured the silver medal after both she and Mahuchikh cleared 2.00 meters. However, Mahuchikh did it on her first attempt.

Australia's Eleanor Patterson and Ukraine's Iryna Gerashchenko tied for bronze, both clearing 1.95 meters but failing to clear 1.98 meters.

After the competition, Mahuchikh candidly talked about the significance of her gold medal, saying she envisioned this victory since the beginning of her sporting career.

"I dreamed of this moment when I started my track & field career and it was a big motivation to me. I thank God that I jumped [over at 2.00m] with my first attempt and that gave me the gold medal that I want to dedicate to my country," said the Ukrainian athlete.

Mahuchikh, the world-record holder in the high jump, has gained attention for more than her athletic prowess. During her gold-medal performance, fans noticed her unusual habit of lying under a green bedroll between jumps.

Olympic viewers took to X to express their curiosity and admiration."Obsessed with climbing into a sleeping bag in between Olympic high jumps," one user said of the athlete. Another revealed, "My dad said 'does she get into her cocoon to become a butterfly for her high jump?’"

Someone else admitted, "My mood is always Yaroslava Mahuchikh's vibe. She gets me." Another marveled, "I'm still thinking about Yaroslava Mahuchikh’s sleeping bag, what [an] icon, incredible stuff."

One other user shared the same sentiments, writing, "Yaroslava Mahuchikh being so calm in sleeping bag before getting gold medal and making the highest jump is iconic."

Someone else exclaimed, "Looks like a live-action Disney remake of Sleeping Beauty versus a sporty Jane Austen 'dear diary' scene!" "Sleeping beauty!" added another, while one echoed, "The original sleeping beauty."

Mahuchikh has a unique routine between jumps. She takes off her spikes and changes her socks to prevent sweaty feet from affecting her grip. Then, she climbs into her sleeping bag, using her backpack as a pillow.

Of this routine, the sports star explained she feels comfortable whenever she lays down during the competition. She even counts starting from one upwards and takes deep breaths, adding, "It's like, relax, [and] not think about that I'm at [the] stadium."

Her routine has roots dating back to 2018, when she won at the Youth Olympic Games. Serhii Stepanov, one of her coaches, suggested the sleeping bag to prevent blood from pooling in her legs.

Now, Mahuchikh carries a backpack with a yoga mat, sleeping bag, and extra socks to each competition. She replaces the sleeping bag every season due to the wear from spikes.

Mahuchikh advised other female athletes to carry a mat and a blanket during the competition because they are convenient to use in different weather conditions, even if it rains.

While Mahuchikh relaxes, her rival Olyslagers journals. This practice helps her focus on technical aspects and mentally reset. "The process is more powerful than what is actually on the piece of paper," Olyslagers said.

Fans were fascinated by their contrasting downtime activities. One user on X stated, "The duality of women." Another wondered about Olyslagers' journal content, adding, "I'm here for the journal writing."

While one described it as "fascinating," another said Olyslagers will not have a tough time trying to remember her efforts in the athletic competition.

At the indoor championships, both missed their first two attempts at 6-6¼. Olyslagers, who runs a Christian ministry, wrote the Bible verse "Perfect love casts out fear" before clearing the height on her final attempt, ultimately becoming the world indoor champion.

During major competitions, the wait between attempts can last from twenty minutes to half an hour. Olyslagers writes to stay alert, while Mahuchikh rests in her sleeping bag to avoid stiffness and pain. Sometimes, Mahuchikh makes rolling motions with her fingers or wrists to calm herself and visualize her next jump.

At one point during the world indoor championships, an announcer quipped, "Yaroslava is coming out of hibernation in her comfy-looking sleeping bag." Mahuchikh explained that that laying down helps her feel relaxed and comfortable to be ready for the next jump.

Mahuchikh’s unique approach and dedication paid off, earning her the gold medal and the admiration of fans worldwide. Her methods highlight the importance of personal comfort and mental relaxation in achieving peak performance.