Olympic Champion Kennedy Thrilled with Perth Pole Vault Return

Australia - Ekhbary News Agency

Olympic Champion Kennedy Thrilled with Perth Pole Vault Return

Perth, Australia – Olympic pole vault champion Nina Kennedy has made a resounding return to the competitive arena, emerging victorious at the Perth Track Classic. This marked her first event in a significant 18-month period away from the sport, and the 28-year-old athlete was visibly delighted with her comeback performance on home soil.

Kennedy, who clinched gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, had been sidelined due to a series of hamstring issues. Her planned return at the World Championships in Tokyo last September was thwarted by a muscle strain during training, adding an extra layer of anticipation and determination to her reappearance. Competing in the warm Perth evening, Kennedy demonstrated resilience and skill, clearing heights of 4.07m, 4.17m, and 4.27m with a notably shortened run-up.

This controlled performance set the stage for a direct showdown with Japan's national champion, Misaki Morota. Ultimately, it was the Australian who prevailed, successfully navigating heights of 4.37m and 4.47m on her initial attempts. While these heights fell short of her Olympic gold medal-winning 4.90m, they represent a substantial and encouraging step forward after her prolonged absence from the sport.

"It was a really fun day, filled with a lot of nerves and a lot of anxiety, but I’m really happy how I approached it," Kennedy shared post-competition. "Off a short run, that was a PB [Personal Best] and a clean scorecard, so I’m really proud of myself. I wanted to get the win and that’s what I did." Her comments highlight not only her personal satisfaction but also the strategic approach taken to manage her return, focusing on execution and victory over immediate peak performance.

The Perth Track Classic was not solely about Kennedy’s comeback. The men’s pole vault competition also saw impressive performances, with WA's Kurtis Marschall claiming victory by clearing a height of 5.83m. In the men's 100m sprint, Joshua Azzopardi equalled his personal best, clocking 10.09 seconds (+1.9) to secure the win ahead of Connor Bond, who finished in 10.18 seconds.

Olympic finalist Peter Bol also showcased his enduring form by winning the men’s 800m in a swift time of 1 minute 43.89 seconds. This victory marked the fifth occasion in the past year that Bol has dipped under the 1:44 barrier, underscoring his consistent elite performance. Reflecting on his performance and future goals, Bol stated, "I was second in Birmingham and I want to make it one better in Glasgow, and this is a right step in that direction," indicating his focus on upcoming Commonwealth Games preparations.

However, not all established stars had a successful outing. Rohan Browning, who had previously equalled his personal best of 10.01 seconds in Perth last year, failed to advance to the final this time, running 10.37 seconds in his heat. This serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of athletics and the intense competition at the elite level.

Overall, Kennedy's return to winning form in Perth is a significant narrative, offering a beacon of hope and determination for athletes recovering from injuries. Her performance, coupled with the strong showings from other Australian athletes, sets a positive tone for the upcoming season and highlights the vibrant athletic talent present in Western Australia.

Ekhbary News Agency