Eleanor Patterson: Leongatha girl wins gold at World Athletics Championships

Leongatha has officially produced a women’s high-jump world champion — and the south Gippsland town could not be more proud.

Leongatha in south Gippsland has officially produced a women’s high-jump world champion.

And the country town, including her father, couldn’t be more proud.

Australia’s Eleanor Patterson produced a stunning career-best — and equalled the Australian record — of 2.02m to win the gold medal.

The 26-year-old became Australia’s 10th track and field world champion.

Her father Mark Patterson said him and Eleanor’s mother Helen were “shell-shocked” following the news on Wednesday.

“It is just amazing, there was such a high standard of competition and she was faltering a bit there but she pulled it off and got into that gold medal position,” he said.

Australia's Eleanor Patterson poses with her gold medal at the World Athletic Championships in Oregon. Picture: Andrej Isakovic

Mr Patterson added: “It is all still sinking in. She had come second at the indoor championships and that was an amazing achievement and she has been struggling with a couple of injuries so we are just absolutely so proud of her.”

In a statement, Leongatha Little Athletics Club said they “couldn’t be more proud”.

“Congratulations to former Leongatha little athlete Eleanor Patterson on her spectacular performance in Oregon,” a statement published on social media said.

Mr Patterson said his daughter’s attention would now turn to the Commonwealth Games.

“This is a great kick-start for the games,” Mr Patterson said.

Eleanor Patterson of Team Australia competes in the women’s high jump final on day five of the World Athletics Championships Oregon 22 at Hayward Field. Picture: Andy Lyons

Mr Patterson said his daughter joined little athletics when she was 10.

“She started competing at state events ... and she found her love in high jump,” he said.

Friends have also taken to social media to congratulate her.

“Way to go, girl. A huge congratulations,” wrote Kim Rosser

“Congratulations Eleanor. You are a legend,” wrote Kerrie Ann Giles.