Popular Korean Star Woo to Defend His Title

The men's competition in Hustopeče will feature no fewer than four athletes from the world top ten, which is a clear promise of outstanding performances. The biggest star of the entire meeting is the well-known Korean athlete Sanghyeok Woo.

This likeable and always smiling athlete has competed in Hustopeče three times. He has won twice and once finished second on countback. His personal and national record of 236 cm was achieved right here in Hustopeče. Last year he had an excellent season, winning the Asian Games and the World Indoor Championships and finishing second at the outdoor World Championships. If anyone wants to bet on this year's winner, Woo is a very strong candidate.

After a one-year break, the silver medallist from the most recent Olympic Games, the popular Shelby McEwen (USA), returns to Hustopeče. He won here on his first appearance and will surely want to build on that success again this year. His personal best is also 236 cm.

Completing last year's top three in Hustopeče is Japan's Ryoichi Akamatsu, who finished eighth at last year's World Championships and fifth at the Olympic Games the year before. He currently ranks ninth in the world.

Two places ahead of him in the world rankings is the young Italian Matteo Sioli, who shared eighth place at the World Championships with Akamatsu but surprised the athletics world with a bronze medal at the European Indoor Championships.

His more experienced compatriot Marco Fassinotti, with a personal best of 235 cm, has also already experienced what it is like to win in Hustopeče. Although that was eleven years ago, he is still maintaining excellent form.

One of the dark horses of the competition could be Ukraine's Dmytro Nikitin (PB 228 cm). The fifth-placed finisher at last year's European Indoor Championships already experienced the atmosphere in Hustopeče last year and will be aiming for a place on the podium this time.

Among the favourites of the Hustopeče audience, especially the local young athletes, is the Mexican representative Erick Portillo (PB 228 cm).