Nicola Olyslagers nee McDermont has won the World Indoor Highjump Championships in Scotland.
The lanky Central Coast star jumped 1.99m to clinch the prestigious title from her fellow competitors.
Olyslagers, known for rating her performances in her “little book of gold,” gave herself a perfect score as she won her first global title, having previously secured second and third places in major championships.
Facing stiff competition, particularly from the defending champion, Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh, Nicola made a critical jump at 1.99m, securing her victory amid enthusiastic crowd support.
The smiling Aussie went on to try the next regulation height or 2.02m.
Although unsuccessful, Olyslagers’ triumph marked a significant moment as she joined a small group of Australian indoor championship gold medalists, the first since hurdler Sally Pearson’s 2012 win.
Nicola Olyslager’s faith is a big part of her journey and something that helps create her a supportive global fan base, some of whom travel to watch her compete.
She’s well known in the Christian community for her quotes and reflections from the bible.