“I already have an engagement ring! My heart is taken.” The revelation from Yaroslava Mahuchikh on Zhenya Yanovich’s show in 2023 was as surprising as it was curious. Who has stolen the heart of the Ukrainian high jumper sensation? Fast forward to 2025. The Paris Olympics Gold medalist is still very much in love and can’t wait to have her dream wedding. But hey, we still don’t know who her mystery companion is. So, let’s find out.

Who is Nazar Stepanov?

Yaroslava Mahuchikh’s fiance is Nazar Stepanov, who happens to be the son of Tetiana Stepanova. In case you don’t know, Tetiana Stepanova is the coach of Mahuchikh, the 2023 World Athletics Champion in High Jump. Born on June 8, 2004, Nazar Stepanov hails from Ukraine and is also a track and field athlete. In fact, Mahuchikh and Stepanov’s love story started on the tracks and their affection for one another has blossomed into a beautiful relationship.

Nazar Stepanov doesn’t seem to be on social media, although his father, Serhii Stepanov, shares photos of him and also of the adorable couple. Being Yaroslava Mahuchikh’s coach too, Serhii Stepanov’s support for the couple means he can’t wait to become a father-in-law. And as for Nazar Stepanov, he knew he had found his soulmate when he met the 2-time Olympic medalist.

So, do you want to know how Mahuchikh’s fiance spends his time? We did mention he was involved in track and field, right? Well, let’s just say he is showing quite a promise.

What does Nazar Stepanov do for a living?

The 20-year-old has been participating in 60m and 110m hurdles events since 2020. Being trained by his parents, the Ukrainian youngster is already garnering attention as people are expecting him to represent the country in the World Championships in the near future. With the right training, maybe he can even join his soulmate at the Olympics; who knows? Wouldn’t that be just perfect? As of now, Nazar Stepanov is just practicing, getting faster and more efficient.

His personal best in 110mH reads 13.98, which he achieved at the Night of Athletics in July 2023. At the youth level, he has already claimed the national-best time, by clocking 13.69 at the European Athletics U20 Championships. He has represented Ukraine in various national and international competitions.

And he has been busy competing in European meets to test himself and get better. His personal best in the 60mH came in Jan 2024 at the Pole Vault GP Tallinn, where he clocked 7.98. He matched it again in February 2025 at the Gran Premio Ciudad de Valencia.

In a way, his life is quite figured out. He has his dream on the track and field, and his dreamgirl to build a life with. But when did Yaroslava Mahuchikh come into his life?

How did Yaroslava Mahuchikh and Nazar Stepanov meet?

It was back in 2021 during an athletic championship that the paths of the two crossed. Being coached by Tetiana Stepanova, they were close to each other and their connection grew over time. As they both worked on their careers, spending significant time together during training sessions and competitions, they got to know one another and realized how good they were together.

Although Nazar is 2 years younger than the high jumper, he has always been certain of his love for Mahuchikh. And maybe it was his conviction that impressed the 2022 World Indoor Champion the most. Sharing the story about how Nazar proposed, as covered by a Ukrainian news outlet in Nov 2023, the 23-year-old narrated, “The most interesting thing I knew about the engagement ring.” Continuing, she shared, “Before that, we were in America. He wanted everything to work out. He said: ‘I have an offer that you have no right to refuse’.”

Nazar knew he wanted Yaroslava Mahuchikh in his life forever. Her story continued: “He took me to a jeweler and said: Choose. After choosing, I gave him the engagement ring with the words: Hold on, I’m waiting for the offer.” They have been waiting for the right moment to get married. Once the war stops, they would go back and get married where they would invite all their friends and relatives, as is the culture in Ukraine.

Nazar Stepanov has been the number one supporter of Yaroslava Mahuchikh. You can see him in the stands as she competes all around the world, chasing dreams and records. Soulmates for a reason!