Busselton-born pole vaulter Nina Kennedy finishes equal seventh in Lausanne Diamond League event

Busselton-born pole vaulter Nina Kennedy has fallen short of reproducing the form that saw her win in Paris during her latest round in the 2023 Diamond League circuit. The 26-year-old ventured to Lausanne in Switzerland for the latest round and a strong start saw Kennedy easily clear 4.41m on her first attempt. She then shook off an initial error to clear 4.51m. However, Kennedy soon hit a slump when she failed to clear 4.61m, leaving her in equal seventh place at 4.51m alongside Switzerland’s Angelica Moser. It comes three weeks after Kennedy pulled off a season best height of 4.77m to win in Paris. US athlete Katie Moon continued to prove herself as a tough adversary, winning the event with a world lead height at 4.82m, followed by Finland’s Wilma Murto with a season best height of 4.77m, and New Zealander Eliza McCartney at 4.71m. While Moon remains on top of the Diamond League circuit standings with 30 points after four of the six qualification events, Kennedy remains in a good spot to qualify for the finals in third place with 18 points. Kennedy will next compete in London on July 23.