Pakistan, Sept. 13 -- Australian high jumper Nicola Olyslagers thought she had endured one of the more frustrating nights of her glittering career on Friday but it turned out to be the most lucrative.

The world champion posted 1.95 metres in the women's high jump at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship, struggling with her approach, while Ukraine's Olympic champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh cleared 1.99m to claim the title.

Yet while Olyslagers missed out on becoming athletics' first "Ultimate" high jump champion on a chilly evening, the 29-year-old's second-place finish still delivered a career-best payday.

When reporters informed her runners-up would pocket $75,000, the Australian's disappointment quickly gave way to delight...