After disappointment in Beijing, Blanka Vlasic eager to defend world title in high jump

Vlasic looking to defend world title in high jump

BERLIN — Croatian high jumper Blanka Vlasic said it’s easier to get to the top than stay there — and she’s using that as motivation to defend her world champion status.

“I know I’m ready,” Vlasic said Monday. “I’ve done everything I could in this short preparation period.”

Vlasic, 25, was world champion two years ago and had 34 consecutive wins before taking silver in Beijing, a second-best showing that still irks her.

“I think Beijing was a huge defeat for me,” Vlasic said. “I always say that the process of coming (to) the top is much easier than staying there.”