A night to remember for Eleanor Patterson as she wins the Diamond League Final

The depth of Australia’s women’s high jumping was on show for at Diamond League finals in Brussels overnight, with Eleanor Patterson winning the Diamond League final and Nicola Olyslagers coming in third.

The New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) athete’s win comes after Cameron Myers (ACT, Dick Telford) won the 1500m Diamond League final yesterday. 

The year 2026 has been brilliant for Patterson, who had a nearly flawless night in the Belgium capital to win after clearing 2.01m.

“I’m a little bit numb honestly,” Patterson said after the win. “I know it’s not easy to win a Diamond League, but to win a Diamond League final feels incredible.

“I knew I was in incredible shape, but you have to allow that to come to fruition.

“I am really, really content with how today turned out.” 

Her long time Ukrainian rival Yaroslava Mahuchikh came second jumping 1.99m.

Fellow NSWIS athlete Nicola Olyslagers (NSW, Matt Horsnell) was her usual cheery self post the event, after a jump of 1.95m.

“Today’s performance was about trying to find the new rhythm, which today wasn’t as successful, but I’m still thankful for having a healthy body and jumping through,” she said. 

“I have a lot to work on for next week and the Ultimate Championships, but I think we are going to be OK.”

Jessica Hull’s (NSWIS, Simon Hull) consistent season has continued, with another podium finish this time third in the 1500m, with a season’s best time of 3:54.73.

“It’s nice to run the fastest I have all year in September, I think that shows my training works when you want to peak this time of the year,” Hull said.

“That’s my fastest time since the Prefontaine Classic in 2025, so that’s a good step.

“I think I’m finding momentum at the right time.” 

NSWIS athlete Rose Davies finished fourth in the Women’s 5000m at the Diamond League Final in 14:37.

​Davies was left disappointed after the race which she felt like suited her, as fellow Australians Georgia Griffith (VIC) and Linden Hall (VIC) finished in sixth and 10th placings in times of 14:38.69 and 14:40.62 respectively – Hall’s time a personal best.

​“I was in a really good spot with a lap to go and I thought I was going to win. To come away fourth, I’m a little bit disappointed,” Davies said.

In her first race since winning the  Commonwealth Games mile gold medal,  Abbey Caldwell (VIC, Gavin Burren) came in seventh with a time of 3:57.19.

In the 800m, Sarah Billings (VIC, Nick Bideau) came fifth with a time of 1.59.99.

Earlier in the session, In the women’s 100m final invitation Torrie Lewis (QLD, Laurent Meuwly) was second with a time of 11.24. 

The focus now turns to the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Hungary that starts on September 11.

In other news, champion Australian pole vaulter Nina Kennedy has announced her season is over, after she strained her quad muscle while training for the Lausanne Diamond League last month.

Australian Athletics

Photos used in story provided by Australian Athletics/ Louie Hadfield