Zürich, Switzerland—On Wednesday, Aug 30, Pole vaulters Nina Kennedy (Australia) and Katie Moon (USA) were back in action as the Zurich Diamond League 2023 opened up a new opportunity for them to settle the score once and for all.
Last week, Aug 23, the two athletes, with a 4.90 score, shared an emotional moment as they consented to sharing the gold medal of the Women’s Pole Vault event in the World Athletics Championships 2023 held in Budapest, Hungary. Earlier in the competition, the two of them fought for the pole vault gold in what seemed to be an endless battle, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. At the finale, though, Kennedy finally popped the question to Moon:
‘Hey, girl, you maybe want to share this? ’
When Moon heard this, relief immediately overcame her, and she was more than happy to accept the offer. In the end, as they both hugged, the audience cheered in celebration of their shared victory.
This week, though, proved to be diffferent.
The Zurich Diamond League 2023 presented the joint champions with the opportunity to continue where they left off. Ultimately, Kennedy snatched the gold medal with her best clearance of 4.91 meters, beating Moon’s 4.81 meters. This was trailed closely by the third and fourth placers, Sandi Morris with 4.76 meters and Angelica Moser with 4.66 meters.
“I am really surprised, and I am so happy,” Kennedy said .“I love Zurich.”
“I honestly didn’t expect that today. I came here to have fun and it all worked out.”
Kennedy is now set to return to Australia, as the inaugural world champion, before proceeding to Eugene, where she will compete in the final of the Diamond League on the 16th and 17th of September, as the defending champion.