Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 11, 2024 5:08 pm GMT
Australia’s Nina Kennedy capped off an extraordinary pole vault season with a triumphant victory in the Diamond League final held in Brussels. The 27-year-old athlete clinched the title with a jump of 4.88 meters, marking her eighth consecutive win of the season and solidifying her stature as a dominant force in women’s pole vault.
Kennedy’s Record-Breaking Season
Kennedy’s victory in Brussels not only added to her impressive accolades but also showcased her remarkable consistency throughout the year. She successfully cleared 4.88 meters on her first attempt, securing the win against a competitive field that included American Sandi Morris, Canadian Alysha Newman, and Britain’s Molly Caudery, all of whom failed to surpass 4.80 meters. Kennedy’s achievement follows her gold medal performance at the Paris Olympics, emphasizing her readiness to compete at the highest level.
Kennedy expressed the pressure she felt going into the final, noting, “It was probably one of the highest-pressure environments I’ve felt. I’d got seven wins in a row, and I really felt like the girls were out for blood tonight.” Despite the intensity of the competition, Kennedy managed to maintain her composure and deliver a winning performance.
Near Miss for a New Personal Best
As she celebrated her victory, Kennedy aimed for a height of 4.95 meters on her final attempt. Achieving this mark would have set a new world-leading record for 2024. While she came close, clearing 4.88 meters was sufficient for her to secure the win. Reflecting on the season, Kennedy indicated mixed emotions about not achieving a personal best, stating, “It’s weird. I’ve had the best, most consistent season of my whole life but haven’t jumped a personal best, so it’s a bit bittersweet.”
Her highest jump this season was 4.90 meters, which occurred during the Olympic final, and her all-time personal best remains 4.91 meters, set in Zurich last year. Now, she looks forward to returning home, expressing her longing for Australia.
Strong Performances From Australian Athletes
Kennedy was not the only Australian making headlines at the Diamond League final. Matt Denny won gold in the discus event, marking another significant achievement for the Australian team. Denny threw a remarkable 69.96 meters, just shy of breaking the 70-meter mark for the first time. His victory, alongside Kennedy’s, contributed to Australia’s strong showing at the event.
Aside from Denny’s success, Nicola Olyslagers added a silver medal in the high jump on the event’s opening night, contributing to a remarkable total of four podium finishes for Australia at the Diamond League final. This equalled the country’s best-ever performance in the series.
Jess Hull’s Bronze in the 1500m
Olympic silver medalist Jess Hull also performed admirably, finishing third in the 1500-meter final. Competing against formidable Kenyan runner Faith Kipyegon, who has yet to lose a race since 2021, Hull clocked in at 3:56.99. Kipyegon’s time of 3:54.75 secured her the title, while Ethiopian Diribe Welteji finished second.
In reflecting on her season, Hull stated, “That caps it off perfectly. The best finish in a Diamond League final to cap off a year that I kept surprising myself in.” Along with Hull, Georgia Griffith achieved a personal best of 3:58.40 in the same event, finishing sixth.
Other Noteworthy Results
Sydney’s Mackenzie Little placed fifth in the javelin throw with a distance of 61.50 meters. The final was claimed by Japanese Olympic champion Haruka Kitaguchi, who secured the win with a throw of 66.13 meters. Little’s effort marks another commendable performance by an Australian athlete on a significant international stage.
The Diamond League final in Brussels highlighted not only Kennedy’s remarkable season but also a strong collective performance from the Australian contingent, showcasing the depth of talent in the nation’s athletics program.
The athletes are excited about the upcoming competitions, especially the 2024 season. Their strong performances at the Diamond League have made them important players in athletics. With Kennedy at the forefront, Australian athletics is ready for more success in the future.
