Nina Kennedy Clinches Victory in Pole Vault at Rome Diamond League 2024
In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, Australia’s Nina Kennedy triumphed in the women’s pole vault event at the Rome Diamond League 2024, held at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday. This victory marks Kennedy’s third consecutive win in the Diamond League series, having previously claimed victories in Monaco and London earlier in July.
Kennedy excelled by clearing a height of 4.83 meters on her second attempt, narrowly outperforming Sandi Morris of the United States, who also reached the same height but required three attempts to do so. According to competition regulations, the athlete who achieves a set height in the fewest attempts is declared the winner.
Kennedy’s personal best remains at 4.91 meters, achieved last year, although she recently secured a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a vault of 4.90 meters earlier this month. While she endeavored to surpass her personal best in Rome, she was ultimately unsuccessful. Following her Olympic success, Kennedy returned to Australia for media events and to celebrate Australia’s exceptional achievement, which included winning a record 18 gold medals. This trip took a toll on her, as she faced challenges associated with adjusting to multiple time zones before arriving in Italy.
Upon reflection, Kennedy stated, “I am very tired. So just to get the win is really good. I am really happy. I attacked 4.93 and 4.95 but I am tired. It is like 4 AM or 5 AM in Australia, so I am a bit delirious, but the conditions were really good. No wind, really hot and the poles are moving.”
The 27-year-old athlete’s current winning streak is impressive, having emerged victorious in six consecutive events since June, including three Diamond League competitions, along with her Olympic triumph, success at the Paavo Nurmi Games, and a win in an athletics meeting in Rouen, France.
Kennedy expressed her admiration for her team’s efforts, stating, “I am really happy with this season; it is a lifetime season. I am really proud of myself and I am proud of my team. At the start of the season, we set really high goals; we said we want to win the Olympics, we want to win the Diamond League Final, we want to go out and jump a personal best.”
With her outstanding performance, Nina Kennedy has already secured qualification for the Diamond League Final, scheduled for September 13-14 in Brussels.
Additionally, four other Australian competitors participated in the Rome Diamond League event. Matthew Denny, the bronze medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympics, finished fourth in the men’s discus throw. Jessica Hull and Linden Hall, both Olympic medallists, concluded their respective women’s 5000-meter race in fourth and tenth places. Morgan McDonald placed fourteenth in the men’s 5000 meters.
In conclusion, Nina Kennedy’s victory at the Rome Diamond League further solidifies her status as a leading figure in pole vaulting, highlighting her resilience and dedication to the sport amidst challenging circumstances.
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