Commonwealth Games fans puzzled by Nina Kennedy’s right hand

Australian gold medallist Nina Kennedy left Commonwealth Games fans scratching their heads, all because of her right hand.

Nina Kennedy’s right hand left fans bemused. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Australian Nina Kennedy claimed Commonwealth Games gold on Wednesday morning, adding to her recent World Championships bronze medal, though not before leaving fans baffled.

The 25-year-old Kennedy made life harder for herself than she needed to as she eclipsed the competition and added to Australia’s impressive medal tally.

Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Kennedy had successful vaults at 4.35m and 4.45m, and a clearance of 4.50m would have been enough to seal victory. However, Kennedy bypassed that height, as well as an attempt at 4.55m, instead opting to go the extra mile - or extra few centimetres, as it were - at 4.60m.

While this was happening, fans were intrigued by Kennedy’s right hand, which was covered in a black material.

Despite the confusion, the answer is rather straightforward. Pole vault athletes cover their dominant hand in certain materials to obtain more grip on the pole.

Black cloth friction tape is the most commonly used by athletes who will then go a step further and add either lighter fluid, chalk or adhesive spray on top of the tape.

The method has been used by pole vault athletes for close to a century.

Kennedy’s hand is covered. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

The top of the pole covered in the black material. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Kennedy’s decision to skip straight to 4.60m was a call that “befuddled” Channel 7 athletics commentator David Culbert, who questioned why Kennedy was taking a risk by going for a more difficult height than what was required.

“I don’t like it,” Culbert said.

His fears appeared well founded when Kennedy baulked in her first attempt at 4.60m, pulling out of her run-up before taking off. It was second time lucky, though, as she cleared the bar, leaving Culbert to breathe a sigh of relief.

“Why? That’s the question,” he said. “It was unnecessary pressure. She didn’t need to make it that tough.”

Kennedy captured the gold. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

After securing first place, Kennedy went for a Commonwealth Games record at 4.76m but it wasn’t to be.

Speaking to Channel 7 after her golden effort, Kennedy said the win was “more of a relief” than elation.

“It (the gold medal) was definitely mine to lose so I kept my cool and I’m so happy with the gold. Wow,” she said.

“The Worlds (World Championships) is our pinnacle so to come to the Commonwealth Games, this was to make my friends and my family and my support team proud. This was definitely for them, I’m so happy I did it.”