Yaroslava Mahuchikh isn’t just the Ukrainian high-jump queen who shattered a 37-year-old world record with 2.10m in Paris, or the first Ukrainian woman to win Olympic gold in the event. She’s a walking symbol of resilience. She fled her war-torn homeland in 2022, dodging bombs for three days to compete at the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade and then won gold medal.

But behind every gravity-defying leap and history-making moment are two unsung heroes: her parents, Oleksii and Olha Mahuchikh. While Yaroslava’s resilience has made her a global symbol of Ukrainian pride, her parents have been the quiet backbone—fueling her dreams, steadying her through a warzone escape, and cheering her on the loudest as she soared past every bar. Want the full story on the family that built a legend? Read below.

Who is Yaroslava Mahuchikh’s Father?

Oleksii Mahuchikh is a former canoeist who swapped paddles for pom-poms to cheer for his daughter’s career. Born in Dnipro, he’s the dad who knows to keep his daughter motivated during high-pressure moments. Their bond hit a viral-worthy snag during her Paris 2024 world record jump. Oleksii almost missed her historic 2.10m world record in Paris. Thinking the competition ended at 2.07m, he shut off the livestream—only for friends to bombard his phone with congratulatory calls. And his expression at the moment: “World record? But she jumped 2.07!” he gasped. Later, he realized Yaroslava had soared to 2.10m. She laughs about it now, admitting she didn’t expect the record to fall so soon. 

Who is Yaroslava Mahuchikh’s Mother?

Olha Mahuchikh’s role goes far beyond that of a ‘proud mom.’ A former competitive gymnast and athlete, she passed down the agility, discipline, and explosive power that define Yaroslava’s technique. Maybe it is Olha’s gymnastics roots that fuel Yaroslava’s runway approach, which is a masterclass in controlled ferocity, blending speed and precision like a coiled spring.

But Olha’s greatest contribution isn’t just genetic, it’s emotional. When Russia invaded Ukraine, Yaroslava faced an impossible choice. She could either stay in Dnipro with her family or flee to keep competing. Olha, alongside her husband, urged her to go. As Yaroslava escaped, the sound of distant gunfire haunted her journey. While not on the eastern front lines, Dnipro has endured repeated missile strikes, adding to the danger her family faces. The fear lingered, and every goodbye hug with her mom, dad, grandfather, and sister felt like a potential farewell. Olha’s quiet support became Yaroslava’s strength. It was a reminder that home wasn’t just a place for her to return to but a legacy to fight for.

What is Yaroslava Mahuchikh Parents’ Nationality?

Oleksii and Olha Mahuchikh are Ukrainian, born and raised in Dnipro—a city now scarred by war. For Yaroslava, “home” has become a broken concept. Since 2022, she’s lived out of a suitcase, training across Europe with her mom and sister occasionally joining her abroad. But when it comes to her dad, he is a defiant rock, shrugging off missile strikes with dark humor: “If rockets come, maybe it’s God’s plan.” Yaroslava rolls her eyes at his fatalism, firing back frantic texts: “PLEASE, go to the basement!”

Over 10,000 Ukrainian civilians have died since the invasion, and Dnipro’s apartment blocks and hospitals have been brutalized. Yet Oleksii’s defiance and Olha’s quiet resolve keep the family’s spirit unbroken. As Yaroslava eyes the 2025 Diamond League, one truth holds: Her parents’ grit and Ukraine’s spirit are her fuel. For Yaroslava, their courage is a daily motivator. “They remind me why I jump,” Yaroslava says.