Nina Kennedy jumps through tough conditions to win in Auckland

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Nina Kennedy jumped 4.50 metres in windy conditions to win the pole vault at the Sir Graeme Douglas International in Auckland.

The event a bronze level meet on the World Athletics Continental Tour was just Kennedy’s third competition back in 18 months.

Electing to skip the first four heights, Kennedy was the last to enter the competition at 4.32 metres, with the rest of the field already out. After missing her first two jumps she cleared it on her final attempt before raising the bar to 4.50m.

A second jump clearance 4.50m saw the bar raised again to 4.60 metres, with Kennedy just falling short.

“The conditions weren’t too crash hot, it’s definitely no excuse you don’t know what you are going to get out on those big major comps outside. Considering the conditions, there was no rain, which was a positive, 4.50 in those not too bad,” said Kennedy.

“I am chasing that auto Olympic qualifier 4.70m, it is definitely in my capability. This is my third comp of the season, I haven’t jumped in 18 months so definitely just finding my feet still. Hopefully give me some nice sunny weather and good conditions and that 4.70 will be there.”

Earlier Stephen Clough won the men’s pole vault jumping 5.17 metres, with the wind playing havoc. Declan Carruthers cleared 5.17 metres with Angus Armstrong unable to clear the height.