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Nina Kennedy to Defend World Pole Vault Title in Tokyo Without a Tune-Up

The reigning champion returns from hamstring surgery with an 80% fitness estimate, prioritizing process over results.

Overview

  • Kennedy will compete at the Sept. 13–21 world championships on a wildcard after skipping all Diamond League and lead-up events.
  • She has not competed since winning Olympic gold in Paris last year following an operation prompted by three strains in six weeks.
  • Kennedy says she lacks full confidence in her body but believes the repaired hamstring is sound and pegs her current fitness at about 80%.
  • Months of rehabilitation left her with only a few weeks of proper training, reinforcing a plan shaped with a sports psychologist to adjust expectations.
  • Her rivalry with U.S. star Katie Moon remains in focus as she signals she would likely not share gold again, with former coach Paul Burgess now on Moon’s team.