Nina Kennedy says Australia has one of its strongest Commonwealth Games athletics teams ever – Australian flag bearer Nina Kennedy has backed the strength of the national athletics team during Seven’s Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games coverage.
Kennedy joined Seven hosts Mel McLaughlin and Jason Richardson alongside baton bearer Tim Hodge, with the group discussing Australia’s medal hopes and the conditions facing athletes in Glasgow.
The comments land as Seven and 7plus Sport begin their nightly Games coverage for Australian viewers. They also put athletics firmly in focus after Australia entered Glasgow with high expectations across jumps, sprints, throws and middle-distance events.
Kennedy backs Australia’s athletics depth
Asked by McLaughlin about Bruce McAvaney’s assessment of the team, Kennedy said: “Bruce is the expert, and he is all over it. We genuinely have one of our strongest teams ever.”
Kennedy pointed to Australia’s high jump depth, Matt Denny, Cam Myers and a growing sprint group as part of the reason for her confidence. She also noted that she, Torrie Lewis and Kurtis Marschall had all arrived in strong form.
“I’m expecting so many medals, I don’t know how many, but a lot,” Kennedy said. “It’s just such an exciting time to be a part of such a strong team.”
Glasgow conditions add another test
Richardson also asked Kennedy about the shift from warm European conditions to a much cooler Glasgow environment.
Kennedy said the weather would add an extra element, but added that athletes were used to competing in changing conditions. She compared it with the Maurie Plant meet earlier in the year, where she had already practised in cool and drizzly weather.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games continues nightly from 7.00pm on Seven and 7plus Sport.
For more coverage, visit TV Central’s Commonwealth Games section. View the public daily schedule through the official 7NEWS Commonwealth Games schedule.
