Olympic gold medallist Nina Kennedy is ready to rise to the occasion of her first Maurie Plant Meet – Melbourne, where the pole vault champion will take flight on Australia’s biggest stage against twin sensations Amanda Moll and Hana Moll from the United States.
The World Athletics Continental Tour – Gold meet at Lakeside Stadium has been lit up by the sport’s biggest names in recent years, with Kennedy fitting of a royal welcome as the first Australian star announced for the 2026 instalment to be held on March 28.
The reigning Olympic champion arrives ready-made for the Melbourne spotlight, where she will shine bright in her return to top-level competition after over a year one the sidelines, last competing in September of 2024.
“Getting so close to the World Championships in 2025 and then getting injured two weeks out was really difficult. It was such an anti-climactic way to end a turbulent year,” Kennedy said.
“I have a lot of unfinished business and goals I want to achieve in the next three years, so naturally that’s motivating me. I’m super excited to showcase pole vault to the crowd in Melbourne because it’s a fascinating event and so entertaining to watch.
“I don’t have anything to prove, but my team and I have worked really hard and I’m excited for my performances to reflect that.”
Australia’s golden girl won’t have it all her own way with 20-year-old twins Amanda Moll (USA) and Hana Moll (USA) jetting down under for the contest with world-class credentials, Amanda matching Kennedy’s 4.91m career-best as a top 10 pole vaulter in history.
The competition holds even more value for the NCAA Indoor champion out of the University of Washington, who has her eyes set on the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
“I’m so excited for the opportunity to compete in Australia, especially knowing it’s where the 2032 Olympics will be held. Nina is an incredible competitor, so I know the competition will be exciting, and I can’t wait!” Amanda said.
Hana soared to World Athletics Under 20 Championships gold in 2022 and has since raised the bar to 4.81m to be crowned both the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor champion for Washington, finishing in equal sixth place of the 2025 World Athletics Championships alongside her sister Amanda.
“Getting the chance to jump against pros like Nina is always special and raises the level of competition in the best way. I’m really excited to travel to Australia for the first time,” Hana said.
The twin talents pose a challenge that Kennedy is welcoming with open arms, kick-starting her 2026 campaign and Commonwealth Games title defence against two of the world’s best.
“I’m excited for them to come to Australia. They are great young talents and I wish more elite athletes could come to our country to compete,” Kennedy said.
The full Women’s Pole Vault field will be announced in the coming months, currently consisting Olympic champion Nina Kennedy, top 10 pole vaulter in history Amanda Moll, and World Under 20 champion Hana Moll.
The 2026 Maurie Plant Meet – Melbourne is the first of 12 World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meets for 2026, sitting just under the Diamond League in status. Oceania’s only Gold Level meet is supported by the Victorian Government through its Significant Sporting Events Program.
The 2025 Maurie Plant Meet – Melbourne was sold out, attracting 10,000 fans to Lakeside Stadium.
Tickets are available for purchase HERE.
By Lachlan Moorhouse, Australian Athletics
Posted 28/1/2026
