Elena Kulichenko, a junior at Georgia, an Olympian representing Cyprus and the reigning European Under-23 women's high jump gold medalist along with the Southeastern Conference champion, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss competing June 8 in the Division 1 championship meet at Hayward Field in Oregon. Kulichenko, 21, has qualified for all six NCAA finals in her career (three indoors, three outdoors), taking third in the past three high jump championships. She also secured a World University Games silver medal last year in China, in addition to advancing to the final of the World Athletics Championships in August in Budapest, Hungary. Kulichenko reflects on achieving the Cyprus national record with a 6-4.75 (1.95m) clearance May 11 to win the SEC title in Gainesville, Fla. She equaled the No. 7 all-time collegiate outdoor competitor with her performance, in addition to ranking among the top 15 athletes in the world this year. Kulichenko examines the transition of coach Ryan Baily being hired as the Georgia jumps coach this year, taking over for James Thomas on the Bulldogs' staff. She analyzes the adjustments made to her approach and takeoff, and how gratifying it has been to produce a lifetime-best clearance, especially during an Olympic year. Kulichenko also speaks about her relationship with fellow SEC high jumpers Lamara Distin of Texas A&M, representing Jamaica, as well as Rachel Glenn from Arkansas and Charity Hufnagel of Kentucky, all of whom have captured an NCAA high jump title during their careers, and how they have provided motivation and inspiration in her pursuit to secure the first Division 1 crown for Georgia since Madi Fagan in 2017. She explains how beneficial it was to have such an extensive schedule of international meets following the collegiate season last year, and how proud Kulichenko was to be able to clear 6-3.50 (1.92m) in August to advance to the World final. Kulichenko shares how much she is looking forward to competing at the Cyprus National Championships and having the opportunity to defend her title in front of family and friends, but does express disappointment over the conflict of the European Championships in Rome with the NCAA Division 1 final and not being able to participate in both events. She also looks forward to returning to Hayward Field for the first time since the 2022 NCAA final and potentially winning the high jump championship 10 years after fellow Cyprus star Leontia Kallenou triumphed for Georgia in Oregon.