“I would love to be on the podium in the next two years in Budapest and Paris (Olympic Games) – they are my goals for the next two years,” she said. Source: Chiara Montesano, Diamond League, Twitter.
The Commonwealth Games gold medallist has added another title to her belt after becoming the Diamond League Women’s pole vault champion.
Kennedy claimed victory on her third attempt at 4.81m in Zurich, leaving behind American Sandi Morris to finish second and Slovenian Tina Sutej in third place.
The 25-year-old Australian won $44,000 for her efforts and now has a place at the World Championships next year in Budapest.
She spoke after her win and said how elated she was with her efforts and success.
“It’s a huge relief! I’m really happy that the world and my competitors especially can see that I am now a factor. The Australian record of 4.82m in Australia was cool, but to come here and actually win against massive names has been super rewarding and cool.
“The plan is to just keep building. The girls that are winning medals and are up there, are getting into their thirties. I definitely feel like I am one of the young ones coming through and I just want to continue this momentum.”
This latest win comes after she claimed a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, clearing 4.60m for the top spot.
“I have a lot of confidence right now. I can clear 4.70m so easily in training but in a competition environment, everything changes – you have nerves, expectation, the crowd. I have been on the podium all season and such a good run, I just know how to clear those bars now,” she said.
Prior to her Commonwealth Games win she claimed a Bronze at the World Championships in the US.
When she was asked about what she’ll do with her Diamond League prize money she said that it will go to some simple house items.
“I need some new home stuff, I’ll probably just go buy some carpet- I’m such a loser,” she said.
