Championships record for Bondarenko in men's high jump

MOSCOW-- After six days of wait the 2013 IAAF World Championships finally witnessed the first meet record in Moscow with Ukraine's Bohdan Bondarenko crowing in a top-level men's high jump event here on Thursday.

However, the 23-year-old Bondarenko, wearing one red shoe and one yellow, still failed to introduce the first world record in the biannual track and field gala in the Luzhniki Stadium following three unsuccessful charges at the 20-year-long world record.

Bohdan Bondarenko of Ukraine competes in the men's high jump final during the IAAF World Athletics Championships at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Aug 15, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

The Ukrainian, who will turn 24 by the end of August, cleared 2.41 meters with his second attempt to clinch the gold, equalling his world leading performance and bettering the former Championships record of 2.40m set by Cuba's Javier Sotomayor in 1993 Stuttgart worlds.

He also tried to beat Sotomayor's world record of 2.45, set on July 27, 1993, but failed all the three attempts at 2.46m.

The Ukraine has been enjoying a huge progression so far in the 2013 season, improving his personal best by 10 centimeters. The seventh finisher at London Olympics set the world leading in Lausanne as he went over 2.41m, a height not achieved for 19 years. At his last competition in London just over two weeks ago, Bondarenko went well clear over 2.38m before two audacious attempts at 2.47m.

Starting at 2.29, Bondarenko showed great confidence on Thursday and skipped 2.32 and 2.38 before leaping over 2.41 with only his fourth jump in the evening.

"I did not expect to win with such a good result. The audience in the stands really gave me great support with their cheers and applause," said Bondarenko, who revealed he had been bothered by slight belly twinges in recent days. "It does not matter that I did not break the world record, because I have already won the world title."

When asked whether he will continue to charge for a new world record, Bondarenko said: "I do not think so. For me the season has already ended."

Bohdan Bondarenko of Ukraine reacts after competing in the men's high jump final during the IAAF World Athletics Championships at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Aug 15, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Bohdan Bondarenko of Ukraine celebrates winning gold medal in the men's high jump final during the IAAF World Athletics Championships at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Aug 15, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]