WEEKEND RECAP | RECORD-BREAKING WEEKEND FOR KENNEDY

A historic night at the Sydney Olympic Park has seen athletes from around the country claim world and national records, Tokyo 2021 qualifiers, and the 5000m National titles. WA's very own Nina Kennedy and Matthew Ramsden capped off the evening with two outstanding performances.

Kennedy's pursuit of the Australian Pole Vault Record has finally been achieved with a captivating performance at the Sydney Track Classic. After attempting the 4.81m height in Perth, Kennedy eclipsed Alanna Boyd's previous record with a leap of 4.82m. The new Australian National Record holder was close to furthering the distance and is achieving an enviable consistency that has her well placed for Tokyo 2021.

"Most competitions this season we've gone from 4.70m (Olympic qualifier) straight to trying for the Australian record (previously 4.81m), so I am so happy it is done and I got that tonight, I've attempted it five or six times this season so to nail it on my first attempt I am just so happy," Kennedy said.

"Now we'll go to Brisbane for the Queensland Track Classic and get practise at those high heights. Every competition I compete in against myself at those heights, but when it comes to the Olympics, I'm going to be jumping against girls who can jump (4.)80 so I've just got to keep practising."

Matthew Ramsden rounded out the evening's track events with his first Open National 5000m title. Ramsden is already Tokyo bound in the 1500m; however, his current pace over the 5000m could mean he lines up twice in Tokyo. Winning the title in 13:29.99, Ramsden is starting to look lethal at the top level.

"This is my first proper National title and I couldn't be more pleased. Usually it's just a straight pace and Stewy (McSweyn) would kick out but today was up and down in pace the whole way and it was a positive to take away for myself as well," Ramsden said.

"That shows that I am good enough for an Olympic final if I did choose to do the 5k," said Ramsden, who already has a 1500m qualifier. 

Victorian-based WA -athlete Peter Bol is edging ever close to an Olympic Qualifier in the Men's 800m. Collecting wins at both the Canberra and Sydney Track Classics last week, Bol record 1:45.23 and 1:46.12 at the respective Coles Summer Super Series rounds. Bol's Canberra time was just 0.03 seconds shy of the required Olympic Qualifier.

Kurtis Marschall was just short of claiming his fourth Olympic Qualifier in the Men's Pole Vault. With a best of 5.75 m, Marschall now has his outdoor personal best of 5.81m in his sights. 

Earlier in the week, in wet and windy conditions, WA produced some outstanding results at the Canberra Track Classic. Rhiannon Clarke returned to the national stage with her third 100m Tokyo qualifier. While Taylah Cruttenden was flying in the Women's Open 100m, claiming her sixth World Under 20 qualifier in a time of 11.62.

Brianna Beahan flashed home in one of the evening's highlights, the Women's 100m Hurdles. Crossing the line in a blanket finish with Victoria's Celeste Mucci and Queensland's Hannah Jones,  Beahan claimed third in 13.43.

WA's record-breaking weekend wasn't restricted to the Track Classics, with WA Walker Declan Tingay setting a new WA Record of 18:56.77 in the 5000m Race Walk. Tingay's win at the Victorian Track and Field Championships smashes the previous record of 19:48.57.

Head to Athletics Australia's website to check out their wrap up of the Canberra Track Classic and Sydney Track Classic.

For more information about how you can get involved in athletics, contact Athletics West on 08 6272 0480 or via email at admin@athleticswest.com.au

Extra Reporting (Quoters): Athletics Australia

Photo Credit: Fred Etter