Australia’s pole vault queen clinches gold in dazzling return
Olympic gold medallist Nina Kennedy has made a triumphant return to international competition, capturing victory in the women’s pole vault at the Rabat Diamond League meet on Monday (AEST).
The victory marks a comeback for the Perth native, who endured an 18-month hiatus from the sport to nurse a persistent leg injury. She sat on the sidelines for the 2025 World Championships, instead joining the Nine commentary team.
Nine Kennedy has a triumphant return to competition, jumping 4.80 metres in the women's pole vault. Australian Athletics
But Kennedy proved she hasn’t missed a beat after her time off, clearing a season-best 4.80 metres under the lights in Morocco.
She was the only athlete in the field to sail over the height, securing her third consecutive win in as many competitions since returning. She won at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne and the Australian Athletic Championships in Sydney, but was yet to stamp her return on the global stage.
Joining her on the podium was New Zealand’s Imogen Ayris and an equal third place went to USA’s Katie Moon and Angelica Moser from Switzerland.
While the rest of the field ran out of attempts at 4.70m, Kennedy separated herself from the pack and attempted 4.87m but was unable to clear - having to settle for 4.80m.
“I think the girls weren’t expecting me to come out and perform the way I did, but I’ve been training really hard, so I’m really happy with how I went tonight,” Kennedy said after her win.
“Sometimes travelling back and forth month on end, and it can get really tiring, so it was kind of nice to have a year at home.
“Watching the World Championships at home, it was quite tough, but that made me so hungry.
“I haven’t flown in a while, so I had to re-learn all of that and my comp routine, but I’m really glad I’m back.”
Kennedy wasn’t the only Australian celebrating a podium finish in Morocco as Victoria’s Eleanor Patterson delivered a strong performance to claim second place in the women’s high jump.
Kennedy now heads to the Rome Diamond League, taking place on June 4, before flying home to Perth in preparation for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July.
