Australia’s team for the World Athletics Championships has received a big blow, with the withdrawal of defending pole vault champion and Olympic gold medallist Nina Kennedy.
Kennedy posted to Instagram on Friday, confirming her decision.
“Not the news I want to be sharing. Sooooo I’ve strained a muscle in my leg in one of my last sessions before worlds 😵💫 (not near the surgery site, which is a win),” she said.
“I’m sad to say I’ll be withdrawing from the World Championships.”
Kennedy was set to compete in Tokyo — at the championships, which begin on September 13 — attempting to defend the world title she won jointly with American Katie Moon in Budapest two years ago.
Nine Kennedy revealed on Instagram that she has been forced to withdraw from the World Athletics Championships. (@ninakennedy_)
The Australian star recently underwent hamstring surgery after having three strains in six weeks.
“It was either a three-month conservative rehab, or it was a surgery rehab, also taking three months. So we went down the surgical route, and it feels back to normal, if not better,” she said earlier this week.
In her social media post, a shattered Kennedy said she had given herself every opportunity to make it to Tokyo and succeed.
“Even though I’m disappointed, I’m proud of myself for trying to get back and put myself in the best position to jump high at worlds,” Kennedy said.
“I can genuinely say I did everything I could, I gave it a red-hot crack and that in itself is a measure of success.
“Sport can be brutal, but injuries are just part of the journey, and that’s okay.”