Ukrainian athlete aims for world record: bar set at 2.40 meters

What Oleg Doroshchuk aims to achieve

According to Главком: In an interview with the publication Glavkom, world champion in athletics Oleg Doroshchuk shared his plans: in the summer of 2026, he intends to update his personal best, and he dreams of clearing a height of 2.40 m in the future. In March 2026, the athlete won a medal at the indoor world championship - a significant milestone in his career.

Doroshchuk's personal record at outdoor stadiums stands at 2.31 m, while indoors he has jumped 2.34 m. The national record of Ukraine belongs to Bohdan Bondarenko, who has repeatedly cleared 2.42 m. Bondarenko has also attempted to conquer the record height of 2.47 m.

“Of course, it’s achievable. Especially since my summer record is only 2.31 m. However, my winter one is 2.34 m. I tend to set the indoor record first and then catch up during the summer. So I want to jump higher at the stadium.”

Oleg Doroshchuk

Competitions and achievements

Doroshchuk's first major competition in the summer season is scheduled for the Diamond League stage in Rome - June 4, 2026. At the indoor world championship, Doroshchuk and other participants confidently cleared the opening heights, but the key height was 2.30 m, which the Ukrainian cleared on his first attempt. Eric Portillo achieved the same result. The winner was determined at the height of 2.33 m - which no one cleared. Doroshchuk became the world champion thanks to fewer attempts.

“I will say this – it’s my dream. Every jumper wants to join the 2.40 Club. I am no exception. Regarding Bohdan Bondarenko's record – he has cleared 2.42 m multiple times. He also attempted to conquer the height of 2.47 m. So surpassing Bondarenko is also a dream. But for that, I need to work hard,”

Oleg Doroshchuk

Oleg Doroshchuk demonstrates impressive progress: the medal at the winter world championship backs this up. His ambitions to conquer new heights reflect the development of Ukrainian athletics and the athletes’ desire for new records. For Russian-speaking fans, it will be interesting to know that this season will be a test of Doroshchuk's abilities before possibly storming world achievements. The event in Rome at the Diamond League is an important step in preparing for the summer season and a chance to make a name on the international stage.

Interestingly, Oleg Doroshchuk's successes are not the only ones amidst the achievements of Ukrainian athletes. Just recently, another representative of Ukraine, a wrestling champion, held a joint photoshoot with an athlete distinguished by his stature. This event highlights the diversity of talents in Ukrainian sports and their pursuit of high achievements. It’s worth learning more about the joint photoshoot of Ukrainian athletes to see how different sports can inspire each other.