Russian high jumpers impress with one-two win

Russia has collected an impressive one-two win in the Men’s High Jump competition at the European Athletics Championship in Barcelona, with Aleksander Shustov beating Ivan Ukhov for gold.

Despite vertical rain and booming thunder, 26-year-old Shustov cleared the height of 2m 33cm to repeat the achievements of compatriots Yaroslav Rybakov and Andrey Silnov, who triumphed in the same discipline in 2002 and 2006, respectively.

“I feel some kind of an enormous happiness… I just can’t describe my feelings. I think I still haven’t realized what’s happened,” Shustov told Sport-Express newspaper. .

“Great atmosphere in the stadium, serious approach, high-class rivals – these are the conditions, in which a great result is born,” the champion added.

Another Russian Ivan Ukhov, who is the reigning world and European indoor champion, settled for silver with the result of 2m 31cm.

Martyn Bernard of Great Britain took the bronze.

The two medals allowed Team Russia to increase their lead in the medal count. They now have nine medals in the bag – three of each color.