Elena Kulichenko, a Georgia sophomore high jumper and NCAA Division 1 All-American who prevailed at the 95th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays with an outdoor-best 6-2.75 (1.90m), joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss competing April 15 at the 63rd Mt. SAC Relays at Hilmer Lodge Stadium in Walnut, Calif. Kulichenko, born in Russia but representing Cyprus in international competition, also speaks about competing April 7 at home at the Spec Towns and Torrin Lawrence Invitational in Athens. She reflects on jumping at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas, and explains how important it was to compete at the same venue that will host the Division 1 Championships in June. Kulichenko also looks forward to the opportunity to compete against reigning NCAA indoor and outdoor champion Lamara Distin from Texas A&M, as well as Nike professional and 12-time U.S. champion Vashti Cunningham at the Mt. SAC Relays. She analyzes how meaningful her collaboration has been with Georgia jumps coach James Thomas, and how his belief in her, along with the support of Bulldogs head coach Caryl Smith-Gilbert have helped Kulichenko build even more confidence this year, in addition to the freedom they allow her to express her personality and emotions during competitions. Kulichenko revisits the Southeastern Conference Indoor Championships on Feb. 25 in Arkansas and clearing a lifetime-best 6-3.50 (1.92m), as well as taking third at the Division 1 Indoor final in Albuquerque with a 6-2 (1.88m) performance and how significant the consistency has been in her continued improvement. She speaks about the reactions from her family in Russia and how excited Kulichenko has been to share her experiences during their conversations. Kulichenko also expresses gratitude for the state-of-the-art locker rooms that were built for the Georgia track and field athletes, along with enjoying the opportunities to attend sold out football games for the two-time national champion Bulldogs and learning more about the sport.

WATCH LIVE WEBCAST OF 63RD MT. SAC RELAYS ON APRIL 12-15