Nina Kennedy makes strong start to international campaign with second at Rabat Diamond League

WAIS pole vaulter Nina Kennedy has made a statement of intent at her first Diamond League meet since 2018, with a second place finish in Rabat.

The 25-year-old cleared 4.65m on her first attempt, placing second behind 2022 Indoor World Champion Sandi Morris (USA).

The stacked field that included the last two Olympic Champions, Tokyo bronze medallist in addition to the reigning World Champion, was the first test of the season for Kennedy, who has won each of the competitions she contested in Australia.

Having cleared 4.65m with ease, she made an early decision to retire, with her equal season’s best enough to give her confidence as she makes a strong start to her international campaign.

“I was feeling nervous but also so excited to get back out to competing at back at the Diamond League circuit. I’ve had so many injuries over the last few years and it was so much fun to be out there. I wanted to take every opportunity to soak it in,” Kennedy said.

“Competing after having Covid was a little nerve-wrecking. This comp for me was about seeing how I was feeling on the day and if I needed to pull out and focus just on Worlds, that was going to be okay too.‚Äù

“That’s why I retired early, to be safe. I’m only on Day 10 after Covid ‚Äì I am not at 100% so I wanted to come out injury free too.”