Nina Kennedy is an Australian athlete. She is famous for holding the national record in the pole vault. Her athletic prowess was on full display at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and, more notably, when she clinched the gold medals at both the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 World Athletics Championships. It was at the latter event that Kennedy's remarkable performance saw her share the gold with American athlete Katie Moon, solidifying her status as a world-class pole vaulter and making her a celebrated figure in the sport.
Nina Kennedy, the Australian pole vault record holder, shone at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and secured gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2023 World Athletics Championships, sharing the latter gold with American athlete Katie Moon, cementing her global acclaim in pole vaulting.
Born on April 5, 1997, in Busselton, Australia, Nina Kennedy is the daughter of Gwendy and Steven Kennedy, and her family has been a steadfast source of support throughout her athletic journey. With a tight-knit bond among her family members and siblings, she found crucial encouragement in her pursuit of pole vaulting fame. Embracing a diverse ethnicity, thanks to her Australian roots, Nina Kennedy's identity is enriched. Her family's move to Perth when she was young marked the beginning of her athletic journey, as she joined an athletics club at the age of 11 and ventured into pole vaulting a year later. She pursued her education at the University of Notre Dame Australia, rounding out her multi-faceted life as an accomplished athlete and scholar.
Nina Kennedy's pole vaulting journey has been marked by remarkable achievements and a steady rise to the top of her sport. In February 2015, in Perth, she cleared heights of 4.43m, 4.50m, and a world junior record-breaking 4.59m, earning her a spot at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, although she couldn't progress beyond the qualification round. Over the years, she continued to improve, reaching a personal best of 4.71m and defeating New Zealand's Eliza McCartney at the National Championships in 2018, followed by a bronze medal at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Despite injuries, Kennedy consistently performed well, even at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
In 2021, Nina set a new Australian record at 4.82m. Her achievements culminated at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, where she won bronze with a 4.80m clearance, surpassing Alana Boyd's prior record. Shortly after, she clinched gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games with a 4.60m vault. Finally, in 2023, Kennedy reached new heights by winning gold with a shared clearance of 4.90m at the World Athletics Championships alongside American athlete Katie Moon, solidifying her place among the world's elite pole vaulters.
Nina Kennedy is currently in a relationship with her boyfriend, Declan Mountford, a talented Australian rules footballer affiliated with the Claremont Football Club in the West Australian Football League (WAFL). Their relationship has spanned several years, and the couple appears to be thoroughly enjoying their life together, both personally and professionally, with their respective pursuits in sports and beyond.
Nina Kennedy, a professional athlete, has amassed a notable net worth of $5 million dollars as of 2023. Her main source of wealth comes from the sports industry. Her annual income is in the thousands of dollars, reflecting her dedication to her athletic career. With her financial success and achievements in pole vaulting, Kennedy enjoys a comfortable and enviable lifestyle, making her mark as a prominent figure in the world of sports.
Nina Kennedy not only boasts an attractive personality but also a strong and athletic physique, standing at 1.65 meters tall and weighing 60 kilograms with an athletic body build. Her light brown hair and warm brown eyes complement her overall charm. Her dedication to maintaining her body is evident through her frequent exercise routines, a testament to her commitment to her sport and her overall well-being.
At the age of 11, Nina Kennedy embarked on her athletic journey by joining Perry Lakes Little Athletics, her first club. It wasn't long before her natural talent was recognized, as just a year later, a pole vault coach identified her potential during an athletics meet, propelling her into the world of pole vaulting and setting the stage for her remarkable career in the sport.
At the young age of 14, in 2012, Nina Kennedy showcased her exceptional talent and determination by securing a remarkable second-place finish in the senior Australian pole vault championships, achieving a personal best of 4.10 meters. Her impressive progress continued in 2013, when she reached a height of 4.31 meters and placed fifth at the IAAF World Youth (U18) Championships. The following year, at the 2014 IAAF World Juniors, she vaulted even higher, achieving a new personal best of 4.40 meters, narrowly missing out on a medal but demonstrating her immense potential and dedication to her craft.
Nina Kennedy's coach, Paul Burgess, has been a pivotal figure in her remarkable pole vaulting journey. With his expert guidance and unwavering support, Burgess has meticulously shaped her skills over years of rigorous training and grueling competitions, enabling her to ascend to the very pinnacle of her sport. His mentorship and coaching prowess have undoubtedly contributed significantly to Kennedy's impressive achievements and her consistent pursuit of excellence in the demanding world of pole vaulting.
Nina Kennedy's remarkable pole vaulting prowess reached its pinnacle at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, where she clinched gold with a shared clearance of 4.90m alongside American athlete Katie Moon. This victory followed her earlier gold medal win at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she cleared 4.60m.