Nina Kennedy and Tim Hodge named Australian flag and baton bearers for Glasgow opening ceremony
Updated ,first published
Nina Kennedy had her doubts.
The Olympic and Commonwealth Games pole vault champion questioned whether she could perform at her best after undergoing major surgery to repair a torn hamstring three times in six weeks.
Now, Kennedy will not only defend her gold medal from Birmingham in 2022, but will also lead the Australian team at the Glasgow opening ceremony after chief of mission Petria Thomas named Kennedy as the country’s flag bearer, alongside swimmer Tim Hodge, who will become Australia’s first baton bearer.
“As athletes, there are always those doubts,” Kennedy said of his injury.
“We try to get the best out of ourselves, so my mind always goes to: What if I can’t defend my Commonwealth title? What if I don’t make it back to the Olympics? What if my hamstring goes bad again and my career is over and I can’t enjoy the last few years as I should?
“Sports can be very temporary, so I have really learned to enjoy every step and it is a very special honor and I will really try to experience it and make good memories.”
Competing at their third Commonwealth Games, Kennedy and Hodge were announced as flag and baton bearers by Thomas at Glasgow’s Bridge Gardens on Wednesday afternoon (local time), just up the city’s River Clyde.
The announcement came two weeks after Kennedy jumped a personal best of 4.95 meters to win the gold medal and surpass her rival at the Monaco Diamond League meet in Monte Carlo.
This was a new Australian record for Kennedy, who said he learned he would be the Games flagbearer around the same time.
“I guess I learned that and then I went and got my big break, so it was almost perfect timing,” Kennedy said.
“Of course I was off all last year and it’s great to be competing again, but it’s a great feeling to come back better than ever.”
Hodge will also lead the Australian team at the Games, where he will defend his gold medal in the men’s 100m backstroke S9.
The 25-year-old, who had his right leg amputated when he was four after being born without a fibula, said he wished his younger self knew how much he could achieve.
“I remember sitting in bed after surgery and telling my family, ‘I don’t think I’ll be good at anything anymore,’ because I was in a wheelchair at the time and still recovering from surgery,” Hodge said.
“My mother and father said, ‘Don’t say that, we will find something you are good at and enjoy.’
“And to be able to stand here today and hold this baton is a testament that, having the background that I have in the sport, you can go from not knowing what the future might bring and hoping you have something you’re good at, to potentially standing where I stand today.”
Thomas said Kennedy and Hodge were given the honor not only for their results but also for their leadership of the Australian team.
“They each have longevity, character and humility and the support of the entire Australian sporting community behind them,” Thomas said.
“Nina gives more on and off the track and we know she is a proven performer… Tim heads into his third Commonwealth Games with two Paralympic gold medals and a world record to his name.
“He made his Australian debut in this very city over a decade ago and brings a calm yet inspiring approach that brings joy to those around him wherever he goes.
“I know they will lead our team with pride and grace.”
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Billie Eder is a sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect with: X or email.
