Aussie Nina Kennedy wins pole vault gold at the World Athletics Championships after incredible act of sportsmanship with rival – here’s why she did it with her hand painted black

Australian pole vaulter Nina Kennedy has won gold at the history-style world championships after she and American Katie Moon agreed their drama-charged duel would end in a draw.

Kennedy twice broke her own national record with a first-up clearance at 4.85 meters and a gutsy third and final crack at 4.90 meters, using a black substance on her hands to improve her grip on the post.

On both occasions reigning world and Olympic champion Moon held her nerve to match the Australian.

The pair then had three failed attempts at 4.95m in Thursday’s final before agreeing a draw rather than contesting a jump-off to determine one winner.

There is a simple explanation for the bizarre look the 26-year-old wore during the final

They then hugged each other on the track.

Two years ago, at the Tokyo Olympics, high jumpers Mutaz Essa Barshim from Qatar and Italian Gianmarco Tamberi had done the same.

‘It’s unbelievable. It’s a huge honor to share this gold with Katie,” said an emotional Kennedy. “It’s a dream come true.”

The bronze medal went to Wilma Murto from Finland with a best distance of 4.80m.

Kennedy’s right hand was covered in a jet-black substance during the match – and there’s a simple explanation for the bizarre look.

Pole vaulters use a variety of methods to improve grip on their poles; black fabric friction tape is one of the most common.

Many then add lighter fluid, chalk, or spray adhesive on top of the tape to improve grip even more.

Kennedy broke her own national record twice en route to her gold medal victory

Australian and American Katie Moon (pictured together) reached a stunning agreement to share the gold medal

It’s something that pole vaulters have been using for well over 70 years.

Moon is one of only eight jumpers to ever jump higher than she and Kennedy in Budapest, a list led by legendary Russian Yelena Isinbayeva, whose 14-year-old world record stands at 5.06 meters.

The 26-year-old Australian is now tied for ninth on the all-time list.

Kennedy had a big breakout year in 2022, finishing third in the world titles in Eugene and winning gold at the Diamond League final and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

But this nerveless display was the best performance of her career to date.

The WA jumper made her senior debut as the youngest member of the Australian team at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing when she failed to make any height in the qualifying round as a raw 18-year-old.

She placed third at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and missed out on a spot in the Tokyo Olympics final after jumping injured.

Her previous best distance was 4.82 meters in Sydney in early 2021.

It was Australia’s second medal at the championship, three days after Jemima Montag took silver in the women’s 20 km run.

In another action of the night session on Wednesday, Australians Michelle Jenneke (12.80 seconds) and Celeste Mucci (12.97) were eliminated in the semi-finals of the 100 meters hurdles.

Kennedy was completely overcome with emotion as she added victory to her Commonwealth Games gold medal and third place in last year’s world titles

World and Olympic silver medalist Kendra Harrison of the US was fastest in the final of 12.33 on Thursday night.

Less than 24 hours after finishing seventh in a grueling 1500m final, a tired-looking Jessica Hull was knocked out in the open round of the 5000m.

The 26-year-old finished 13th in her heat in 15:15.89.

Dutch Sifan Hassan was the fastest qualifier in 14:32.29, just ahead of Kenyan superstar Faith Kipyegon, who took another step towards the double 1500m/5000m.

Compatriots Rose Davies and Lauren Ryan also bowed.

A similar story unfolded in the Women’s 3000m Spire where the campaigns of Brielle Erbacher, Cara Feain-Ryan and Amy Cashin all finished in the opening round.

National record holder Stephanie Ratcliffe (69.87 m) failed to qualify for the hammer throw.