The November 30 Edition
“Nina is the most powerful athlete in the national athletics strength-testing database,” Ben Raysmith, a physiotherapist at the WA Institute of Sport, tells Amanda Hooton for today’s cover story. “Even Super 15 rugby players; she’s stronger than all of them.” That’s pole vaulter Nina Kennedy he’s referring to, who not only won gold at the Paris Olympics – the first gold in field events for any female Aussie athlete – but at the other two big events on her global calendar, too. She’s a phenomenon – and, as Hooton found on a visit to Kennedy’s home town of Perth, has been since her school days. However, that doesn’t mean she hasn’t had to face down demons, which, as she explains to Hooton, is how she turned a poor performance in Tokyo into gold in Paris. To hear more of what it’s like to throw yourself over the equivalent of a two-storey house, check out their chat on Good Weekend Talks, too. Editor, Katrina Strickland
Demoralised in Tokyo; gold medal winner in Paris. How Nina jump-started her career
Paris Olympics pole vaulter Nina Kennedy is at the top of her game right now – quite the leap from just three years ago.
- by Amanda Hooton
Deep in Amish country, women in white hats and aprons churn out Pepe Saya butter
No smartphones, no internet – and no electricity. Making butter with an American Amish community presented Sydney’s Pepe Saya with challenges - and rewards.
- by Liz Gooch
He’s known for his zero-waste mantra. Now Joost Bakker is turbo-charging it – for his mum
Building with straw, turf and recycled materials are no small-scale fantasy for Bakker: he says the world needs millions more homes like one he’s just built.
- by Andrew Mackenzie
‘The cleanest toilet in the world’: Why I joined a guided dunny tour
Tokyo’s public toilet project has spawned guided tours, Instagrammer invasions – and even a Wim Wenders film.
- by Barry Divola
Analysis
Analysis
Less ‘timidness’, more confidence: What our newest embassy buildings tell the world
Our consulate in Washington, DC, recently won a big gong. Like our embassies in Jakarta and Bangkok, it projects a new image of Australia to the world.
- by Luke Slattery
Two of Us
For subscribers
‘I just lay in bed and hugged her all night’: When your bestie loses her life partner
Robyn and Sally met at school and both ended up in fashion. They’ve been there for each other through the sudden loss of partners - one via divorce, the other a scooter accident.
- by Katrina Strickland
Dicey Topics
For subscribers
‘It’s a mess’: Artist Julie Mehretu on art, sex and capitalism
The record-breaking Ethiopian-American artist on the role of markets in “making it”, creating works with big brands – and the advice she’d give her younger self.
- by Benjamin Law
Plumage
“Hurry, love, the car will be here any second!” her mother said as Gina ducked off to her room on a flimsy pretext. There, she paced the floor. Beyond her closed door, the household clamour was overwhelming. Every glimpse of herself in the full-length mirror – a flash of brilliant, swan-belly white – sent her heart racing. She struggled to breathe. How had she gotten herself into this mess? She couldn’t back out now, could she? With Lewis already at the church? No, it was mapped out. It was happening. And there’s the car. Plumage ruffling, she made for the door. Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis.
Modern Guru
For subscribers
How to stop your family from using your towel – forever
A towel vault might work, suggests our Modern Guru – or simply let it fester.
- by Danny Katz
Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia: circus feats, in a downpour
Plus: get ready for the weekend with these fresh diversions.
- by Kerrie O'Brien, Katrina Strickland, Barry Divola, Francis Mocnik and Dani Valent
New-season fashion trends – with a little inspo from the red carpet (and royalty)
White shoes, handbags for men, Y2K rewinds: new takes on summer cool from the celebrity realm.
- by Damien Woolnough and Melissa Singer
What’s with the army watch look?
Military enrolments are down, yet watches made for battle are still finding their target.
- by Luke Benedictus
Natty gifts for the style-setter in your life
Help this festive season shine: bright ideas for stellar folk.
- by Frances Mocnik
Looking for your holiday read? Here are 10 new books to get stuck into
Riveting tomes to keep you glued to the page through the summer break.
- by Nicole Abadee
Recipe collection
Entertaining
Season’s feastings: The Good Weekend Christmas menu
Prepare a festive celebration for the ages with this mouth-watering spread. Just add champagne!
- by Danielle Alvarez, Helen Goh and Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Original URL: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/the-november-30-edition-20241007-p5kgcm.html