Nicola Olyslagers is in contention to end her spectacular high jumping year by becoming only the second Australian ever to be crowned world athlete of the year.

The 28-year-old from North Gosford, who lifted both the world title and the Diamond League crown as she took over as the top woman high jumper from Ukrainian world record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh, is one of six athletes in line to win the coveted World Athletics accolade.

Olyslagers, a double Olympic silver medallist, soared to pre-eminence this season with a series of brilliant performances, culminating in her first outdoor world championship win in Tokyo, following two world indoor triumphs, with a two-metre leap.

If she is given the honour, she'll be the only other Australian to be crowned athlete of the year since sprint h

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