Nina Kennedy has achieved an incredible milestone by securing her 18th gold medal for Australia in Paris, triumphing in the women’s pole vault on a day that marks the nation’s best performance ever at the Olympic Games.
Following an initial miss at 4.70m, the 27-year-old Kennedy executed perfect jumps at her subsequent three heights, clearing 4.80m, 4.85m, and 4.90m on her first tries.
Although she failed on her first attempt at 4.95m, it proved inconsequential, as her jump of 4.90m was sufficient to clinch the gold medal.
This victory was Australia’s fourth gold medal of a remarkable Wednesday in Paris, raising the nation’s total to a historic 18 golds, with four days of competition remaining.
The prior record for gold medals was 17, achieved during the 2004 Athens Games and again three years ago in Tokyo.
‘I’m here, I’m a gold medallist, that is so awesome,’ she told Nine.
‘I felt very composed. I came in with a purpose… I came in with a clear intention, and today I reminded myself to focus on my task. “Do your job” and this is the outcome.’
Kennedy made her Olympic aspirations clear from the beginning, expressing her desire to reach the top step of the podium while also embracing her vulnerabilities.
Nina Kennedy has secured gold in the women’s pole vault at the Olympic Games on a historically significant day for Australian sports.
Kennedy triumphed over defending Olympic champion Katie Moon in an intense final.
Overwhelmed with emotion, the Australian embraced her coach and teammates after her extraordinary win.
‘I was very transparent with the media about it; I showed my vulnerabilities,’ she shared. ‘From the beginning, I expressed my desire to win the gold medal, and although it’s daunting to be so open, I did it, and I couldn’t be prouder of myself and my team.’
Kennedy’s victory brings Australia’s total to 18 gold medals at the Paris Games, illustrating an inspiring comeback narrative for the talented athlete.
Before Kennedy’s success on Wednesday, sailor Matt Wearn, skateboarder Keegan Palmer, and Australia’s male team pursuit track cycling squad also made waves.
This remarkable day saw Australia’s gold medal count soar from 14 to 18 in less than six hours, now standing clear of the previous records of 17 from both Athens and Tokyo.
In addition to the gold medals, two bronze medals were secured by walking relay athletes Jemima Montag and Rhydian Cowley, along with the historic effort from discus thrower Matt Denny, marking Australia’s best performance in Olympic history.
Wearn ignited the celebration, becoming the first man to defend his Olympic dinghy title, and 21-year-old Palmer made history, winning again in park skateboarding after its inaugural introduction in Tokyo.
Bolstered by a world record qualification for the final, Australia’s cycling quartet of Sam Welsford, Kelland O’Brien, Oliver Bleddyn, and Conor Leahy triumphed against British competitors to secure a third gold in a matter of two hours.
Reflecting on her journey, Kennedy described finishing 12th in Tokyo as ‘the lowest point of my career,’ due to various injuries impeding her preparations, including those to her groin, hamstring, calf, quadriceps, and a recovery from two broken bones in her back.
‘I had to explore aspects of myself I never expected to face,’ she recounted.
Champion paddler Jessica Fox (right) celebrated Kennedy’s win enthusiastically.
‘I needed to discover a lot about myself, my mindset, and my past. Focusing on who I am as a person has truly helped me become the best athlete I can be.’
Kennedy shared her joyous moment with friends and family in attendance at the Stade de France, while fellow Australian athletes also rallied together to support the pole vaulter.
Among those cheering her on was champion paddler Jessica Fox, who happily posted a selfie with Australia’s most recent gold medallist on her Instagram account.
