KENNEDY KEEPS EYE ON THE PRIZE

Since her appearance in Tokyo, Kennedy has added World Champion, Commonwealth Games Champion and Diamond League Champion to her extensive athletics resume.  

The Pole Vault prodigy has well and truly come into her own and has strung together a collection of international wins to produce an enviable lead into Paris. 

Kennedy dominated the field at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland, launching to a huge 4.80m.  Backing it up a month later, Kennedy headed to France where she jumped an impressive 4.75m securing first place.  

The Australian Record holder was just getting started as she prepared to dominate at the final two Diamond League meetings heading into the Games. In Monaco Kennedy topped the field with a season-best performance clearing 4.88m on countback.  

Just eight days later, she put her best foot forward in London where she was the only vaulter to clear 4.85m and again claim first place before raising the bar to 4.95m, and narrowly missing on the third attempt.  

Speaking with Sports Hounds Kennedy said, “There was nothing on the line, I’d won the competition and I just wanted to see if I could clear it.’’ 

“With a bit more pressure and maybe with an Olympic medal riding on that jump, I definitely know I have it in me.” 

Since the World Championships where she shared the gold medal with USA’s Katie Moon, Kennedy has been putting in the work to improve her fitness and ensure she is in the best physical condition for Paris.  

“Last year at the World Championships … I got to the end of that competition, and I ran out of gas, I ran out of steam, and it’s something I really wanted to fix going into the Olympic Games,’ Kennedy said. 

 “I want to be fit. I want to have my best attempt on my last jump (in Paris). If it comes to a jump off, I want to make sure my legs have it in them.’’ 

Kennedy’s fierce determination and innate talent coupled with her track record of success, place her as a favorite for the gold in Paris.   

 “Nina has the look now. You can see it in her eyes, and she has the aura around her to make others nervous. You need that! It’s what makes champions,” said 2012 Olympic Champion, Sally Pearson.  

Nina Kennedy will put her hard work into play when she competes in the qualifying round of the Women’s Pole Vault at 4:40 pm on the 5th of August WST.  

To follow Nina’s Olympic journey and stay up to date with daily Olympic Schedules, results and updates follow the Athletics West Facebook and Instagram pages.  

To watch all the athletes in action at the Paris Olympics, head to 9NOW.  

For more information on how you can get involved in athletics, contact Athletics West on 08 6272 0480 or email us at admin@athleticswest.com.au. 

By Imogen McDonald, Athletics West 

Posted 24 July 2024 

Additional reporting by Sports Hounds and Straight At It.

Photo Credit: Declan Carruthers