Nicola McDermott grabs slice of history after Diamond league win

Nicola McDermott has become only the third Australian woman to win a Diamond League event after taking out the high jump in Paris

Australia’s Nicola McDermott clears the bar during the Paris Diamond League meet

Olympic silver medallist Nicola McDermott has become only the third Australian woman to win a Diamond League event after taking out the high jump at the Paris leg of the track and field series.

McDermott, having finished second behind Mariya Lasitskene in Tokyo last month, exacted revenge by toppling her Russian rival in the French capital, joining Dani Stevens and Sally Pearson as Diamond League winners.

In doing so, she became the first Australian woman to win a Diamond League since Pearson’s victory in the 100m hurdles four years ago. McDermott arrived in Paris in good form after finishing third in Lausanne only days ago, but she stepped it up a notch in the French capital.

The Australian record holder didn’t miss a jump until she found herself in a showdown with Lasitskene at 2.01m. Neither was able to clear the bar but McDermott was declared the winner on countback, celebrating another milestone moment in her career.

Compatriot Eleanor Patterson finished in fourth place after exiting the competition at 1.98m.

“I have been second and third so many times this season so I am glad that it is finally the win,” McDermott said.

“I just left my heart for these people in the crowd today. I love to see the full stadiums and I love when the people have the chance to enjoy the athletics.

“My dream was to become a high jumper and I am enjoying every moment. I want to inspire people. Today, I started to feel a bit tired so that was the reason why I skipped a couple of heights.

“It is always a risk and it can have a negative impact on your result, but I had the faith to end up well today.”

Peter Bol, another standout performer in Tokyo, went agonisingly close to a podium finish as he placed fourth in the 800 metres.

McDermott, however, was the undoubted star of the show as far as Australia was concerned. Her performance was all the more impressive given she is competing without coach Matt Horsnell by her side – he returned to Australia when the Olympics came to an end.

McDermott will compete in the Brussels Diamond League meet later this week before the final is held in Zurich on September 8.

“I am hoping to end up this season with a better personal best so maybe I saved that for Zurich,” she said.

“I did not feel tense, nothing can compare to the Olympics in this direction. I enjoy the competition very much.”