Diamond for the Tough | Kennedy’s Collection Grows in Zurich

Australia has its latest Diamond League champion in the form of Nina Kennedy, who was at her lively best when delivering a 4.81m clearance in an entertaining Zurich-spectacular which featured a boogie to Avicii’s ‘Levels’, some gymnastic antics, and inspecting a cut to a rival’s hand.

The win sees Kennedy clinch the 2022 title, $30,000 USD prize money, and punch her ticket to the 2023 World Athletics Championships to be held in Budapest as a wildcard entry – capping off a career-best year for the Australian.

“It’s a huge relief! I’m really happy that the world and my competitors especially can see that I am now a factor. The Australian record of 4.82m in Australia was cool, but to come here and actually win against massive names has been super rewarding,” Kennedy said.

“The plan is to just keep building. The girls that are winning medals are getting into their 30’s, I definitely feel like I am one of the young ones coming through and I just want to continue this momentum. I would love to be on the podium in the next two years in Budapest and Paris.”

The Diamond trophy will sit pretty on her mantlepiece alongside her World Championships bronze and Commonwealth Games gold from recent months, with the Australian record holder unable to hide the joy of her recent success behind her game face.

“People can definitely see that I am having fun in my performances. Once I did well at Worlds and got that bronze medal, I had achieved everything I wanted to this season and I could go have fun, make money, and enjoy it in a sense which has been working for me,” Kennedy said.

Despite her illustrious 2022 campaign, Kennedy has not yet been lost to the life of a rockstar, declaring that her hard-earned paycheck will go to good use upon returning home:

“I need some new home stuff, I’ll probably just go buy some carpet – I’m such a loser,” Kennedy said.

The resilient 25-year-old has put her Tokyo troubles behind her having failed to qualify for the Olympic final after an interrupted preparation, bouncing back this season to finish on the podium in 11 of her 12 competitions – including appearances at the World Athletics Championships, Commonwealth Games and four Diamond League meetings.

“I have a lot of confidence right now. I clear 4.70m so easily in training but in a competition environment, everything changes – you have nerves, expectation, the crowd. I have been on the podium all season and had such a good run, I just know how to clear those bars now,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy sang the praises of her team headed by Paul Burgess and James Fitzpatrick who have nurtured her to her current status as a global contender, but says a new Australian record in the 4.90m-range will have to wait:

“I have been in such a good program from a young age, they really just look after you in Australia. You are not just another number, you are a human and they really care about you. I have just been supported since a teenager and it’s coming together now at my peak,” Kennedy said.

“You come into big competitions just wanting to win, the personal best kind of goes out the window. It’s the end of my season and I couldn’t be bothered jumping anymore, it’s only one-centimetre.”

Fellow Australian Rose Davies (Scott Westcott) finished in 10^th place of the Women’s 5000m in a time of 16:07.88, gaining the unique experience of racing on the makeshift track in the city of Zurich.  

The Diamond League Final action in Zurich recommences tonight with Nicola Olyslagers, Matthew Denny, Stewart McSweyn, Oliver Hoare, and Kelsey-Lee Barber all in action.

By Lachlan Moorhouse, Athletics Australia
Posted: 8/9/2022