Olympic Champion Kennedy and Teen Sensation Gout Gout Lead Australia’s World Championships Squad

Australia has announced its largest-ever squad for the upcoming World Athletics Championships, set to take place in Tokyo from 13–21 September, featuring a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars.

At the forefront of the team is reigning Olympic pole vault gold medallist and world champion Nina Kennedy, alongside teen sprinting prodigy Gout Gout, who has been hailed as the next Usain Bolt.

Key Athletes in Australia’s Squad

Kennedy, who dominated the Paris Olympics, is returning from hamstring surgery and admits she is currently only 80% fit.

“I was on crutches for quite a few weeks and the fact that I’m rehabbed, back in training, and in full force to go to the World Championships is a massive win in itself,” she told ABC this week.

Although she is cautious about her chances of soaring to new heights in Tokyo, Kennedy has set her sights firmly on Isinbayeva’s 2009 world record of 5.06 metres.

“I see myself having three years left in the sport and I see myself in a position now to be pushing for five metres, to be pushing for that world record,” she said.
“I think I’m good enough and no-one has come close to it for a very long time, but I see myself as the best athlete out there, so why not?”

Her current personal best stands at 4.90m.

Nicola Olyslagers is another serious contender, having cleared 2.04m in Zurich, narrowly surpassing Olympic champion and world record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh to win the Diamond League final.

“This season has been a great build-up for Tokyo,” Olyslagers said.
“I do want to do another personal best, but I haven’t put a limit on what that is.”

Also included in the squad are Eleanor Patterson, Olyslagers’ long-time rival and 2022 high jump world champion; Jessica Hull, Paris Olympic 1500m silver medallist; and Kurtis Marschall, ranked world number four in men’s pole vault. All are considered strong podium contenders for Tokyo.

At just 17 years old, sprinter Gout Gout is set to compete in the 200m, attracting significant attention as a future sprinting sensation. His inclusion underscores Australia’s strategy of combining experienced champions with emerging talents to create a well-rounded and competitive squad.

The team’s mix of seasoned Olympic medallists, world champions, and youthful prodigies positions Australia as a formidable presence at the Tokyo World Championships, aiming for multiple podium finishes across track and field events.