Olympic Champion Nina Kennedy Set for Perth Track Classic Comeback
Australian pole vault star Nina Kennedy has officially confirmed her return to competitive athletics, ending an 18-month hiatus with an appearance at the Perth Track Classic next month. The Olympic gold medallist will make her first competitive jump of the year at the event, marking a significant milestone in her recovery journey.
From Injury Setback to Season Opener
Kennedy's return comes after 518 days away from competition, with her last high-level appearance occurring at a Diamond League meet in Rome back in September 2024. The 28-year-old athlete underwent surgery to address a hamstring injury early last year, successfully recovering only to damage the same muscle in a different area during preparations for the world championships.
This setback prevented her from defending the world title she famously shared with American Katie Moon in 2023. Originally expected to make her comeback at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne during late March, Kennedy has now adjusted her schedule to include both events as she builds toward national titles and a defence of her Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow later this year.
Elite Company on the Perth Stage
Kennedy won't be alone in her return to competition. She'll be joined by dual Olympic pole vaulter Kurtis Marschall, who brings his own impressive credentials to the February 14 event. Marschall, a bronze medallist at last year's world championships, courageously made the Olympic final in Paris despite a short recovery from injury.
The athlete currently holds a personal best of 5.95 metres and has openly expressed his ambition to clear the elusive 6-metre mark. "I'm going into every competition thinking that today could be the day that I jump six metres, so I'm very excited," Marschall shared about his Perth appearance.
Building Toward Major Championships
For Marschall, the Perth Track Classic represents perfect timing for a season opener before heading to European competitions. "I'm glad I can actually do a competition in Australia this year," he noted, emphasising the unpredictable nature of pole vault where athletes can "jump massive if you get all your cues right and line it up on the day."
Both athletes have their sights set on significant upcoming events:
- National titles in Australia
- Commonwealth Games in Glasgow where Kennedy will defend her gold and Marschall aims for a hat-trick of gold medals
- Long-term preparation for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028
Competitive Field and Future Aspirations
The Perth event will feature a strong field of competitors, including world Under 20 Championships bronze medallist Tryphena Hewett from South Australia, along with Western Australian vaulters Olivia Gross and Daisy Brayshaw, plus Japan's Misaki Morota. They join a growing list of stars confirmed for Perth, including Olympic 800m runner Peter Bol, Australian 100m champion Rohan Browning, and Oceania record holder Zoe Hobbs.
Kennedy, who set her Australian record of 4.91 metres in Zurich during 2023, has expressed her desire to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. When asked about the possibility of competing in Brisbane, she offered a cautious "maybe, maybe not," while noting that American rival Katie Moon continues winning at age 34. "Seven years is such a long time away. My sights are set on LA and we'll see what happens after that," Kennedy told STM magazine last year.
Event Significance and Broadcast Details
The Perth Track Classic holds bronze level status within the athletics calendar, while the Maurie Plant Meet on March 28 represents one of 12 World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meets for 2026, sitting just below Diamond League status. Australian fans can catch the Perth Track Classic action on 7plus, with the Glasgow Commonwealth Games scheduled for broadcast on Channel 7 from July 23 to August 2.
This return marks not just a personal milestone for Kennedy, but a significant moment for Australian athletics as one of the nation's most accomplished field event athletes resumes her pursuit of further glory on the international stage.
