Coronavirus crisis: Pole vault champ Nina Kennedy overcomes needle fears to get COVID-jab ahead of Tokyo Games

Champion WA pole vaulter Nina Kennedy yesterday described her decision to have a COVID-19 vaccination in order to become an Olympian as a “no-brainer”.

Kennedy, who was recently selected to compete for Australia at the Tokyo Olympics in July, joined about 2000 athletes across Australia to have the first of two Pfizer jabs as their Games preparations ramp up.

The Australian women’s record-holder said despite her acute fear of needles, she had no issue with having the vaccination to help her live out her Olympic dream.

“I’m so nervous, I usually faint,” Kennedy said as she prepared for her jab at the WA Institute of Sport. But her angst was short-lived.

“That was fine, I didn’t feel a thing,” she said.

“If it means that I’m safe, the Australian team is safe and then the public is safe when we get back, then it’s fine by me. I’m there to compete so if this is what the Australian Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee want, then fine.

“It’s all so real now.”