Busselton-born pole vaulter Nina Kennedy has made a magnificent comeback from injury with a big win in the lead up to the World Athletics Championships.
The 26-year-old soared on to the podium during the Paris Diamond League last Friday, adding to Australia’s dominance in field events.
Kennedy vaulted with confidence to sail over 4.77m to clinch another win on the Diamond League circuit, adding 16cm to her season best.
The 2022 World Championships bronze medallist defeated a field that featured reigning world champion Katie Moon (USA) and silver medallist Sandi Morris (USA), further cementing Kennedy’s status as one of the world’s best pole vaulters.
It comes just a week after vaulting 4.61m with ease to claim bronze at the Florence Diamond League event as she continues to reap the benefits of recovering from a stress fracture in her back.
“The injury gave me a chance to go back to basics and do a lot of strength work,” Kennedy said.
“I feel like a different athlete now and it’s really refreshing.
“Now it’s about trying to use everything I gained over that time, which is why I’ve been a bit rusty in those last two comps.”
While reaching 4.71m and 4.77m came easy to Kennedy, trying to top her national record of 4.82m was tough.
“When I had one more attempt to go, I thought let’s just give it a try for fun,” she said.
“It’s really nice that the bar is back up that high again.”
Kennedy will next compete in the Lausanne Diamond League event on June 30.