site.btaHigh Jumper Mirela Demireva Ends Maria Lasitskene's Streak of 45 Victories

Rabat, July 14 (BTA) - Bulgarian high jumper Mirela Demireva scored her first victory in the IAAF Diamond League. The 2016 Olympic silver medallist triumphed at the League event in Rabat after jumping 1.94 m, thus ending the winning streak of world champion Maria Lasitskene of Russia, who had been unbeaten in her previous 45 competitions.

Lasitskene jumped only 1.90 m and placed third in the competition. Yuliya Levchenko of Ukraine came in second on 1.94 m, which she jumped in her second attempt while Demireva did it in her first attempt.

The Bulgarian took a try at 2.02 m in order to beat her personal record but failed in her three attempts at that height. Lasitskene still tops the season's world ranking on 2.04 m.

Demireva told the media: "I am happy, although I did not perform very well. It was a tough competition but I managed. It was very warm but the audience was wonderful and cheered me up. I had a problem with my stride and the wind got in the way too but a victory is a victory. I am glad that I am going to compete at the Balkan Games. I will see many friends there. I hope the people come to watch and cheer for the Bulgarian team because we deserve it."