Nina Kennedy, Australia’s top female pole vaulter, is setting her sights firmly on the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Unlike her decision to share the gold with American athlete Katie Moon at the Budapest World Championships, Kennedy is determined to claim the top spot outright this time. Here’s a closer look at her journey and mindset as she prepares for the Games.
At the 2023 Budapest World Championships, Kennedy and Moon made headlines when they decided to share the gold medal. This decision was a testament to their mutual respect and sportsmanship. For Kennedy, it was a career highlight, but she is now ready for a different challenge.
Kennedy has no regrets about sharing the gold. It was a reflection of her state of mind at that moment, where she felt a profound sense of camaraderie with Moon. However, this experience has fueled her desire to achieve an individual gold medal in Paris.
Kennedy has made it clear: she’s aiming for an outright gold medal in Paris. Her confidence is palpable, and she’s determined to achieve this goal. This new goal reflects her growth and increased self-belief since the Budapest Championships.
Kennedy has been open about her struggles with mental health and how they have shaped her approach to competition. She acknowledges that her decision to share the gold was influenced by her self-doubt at that time.
Kennedy has worked hard to separate her self-worth from her performance outcomes. This mental shift has been crucial for her preparation, allowing her to focus on her training without the pressure of tying her self-worth to her success or failure.
Kennedy’s past struggles with injuries and depression have shaped her journey. She now feels like a different athlete, one who has learned from past setbacks and is approaching the Paris Olympics with a refreshed outlook.
Kennedy distinguishes between goals and expectations. Her goal is to win gold, but she understands that some factors, such as the performance of her competitors, are beyond her control. This understanding helps her focus on what she can control and manage her expectations.
Kennedy’s preparation for the Paris Olympics has been thorough and meticulous. She’s been in a state of focused concentration since Budapest, determined not to leave anything to chance.
Pole vaulting is known for its high-risk, high-reward nature. Kennedy’s ambition is to push the boundaries of the sport and achieve a performance that surpasses all others.
As the Olympics approach, Kennedy is embracing the excitement of the competition. She’s proud of her progress and is ready to give her all, aiming to achieve gold without regrets.