Nicola McDermott becomes first Australian woman to break high jump’s two-metre barrier

High jumper Nicola McDermott has become the first Australian woman to break the two-metre barrier, setting a national record at the Australian track and field championships in Sydney.

McDermott cleared 2.00 metres on Sunday, beating the previous mark of 1.99m set last year by her domestic rival Eleanor Patterson.

The 24-year-old McDermott then had three unsuccessful attempts at 2.03m.

McDermott and Patterson — who missed the Olympic trials with a leg injury — have both achieved the Olympic qualifying standard for the Tokyo Games.

More to come.