Katie Moon Claps Back at Critics of Decision to Share Gold Medal

The pole vaulter finished tied in first place with Australia’s Nina Kennedy at the world championships in Hungary.

Pole vaulters Katie Moon and Nina Kennedy’s decision to share a gold medal Wednesday at the World Athletics Championships in Hungary has created an uproar among some observers who believe there needed to be a single winner. However, the athletes are standing by their choice.

Moon posted a statement to social media defending the move, and she responded thoughtfully to those whom she says called the two “cowards” and “pathetic.” She explained that the sport of pole vaulting is not meant to be a measure of endurance, so as competitions unfold, fatigue impacts the results differently than in other athletic disciplines.

Moon is an American, and Kennedy is Australian.

Moon said she was feeling fatigued after four hours of competition, which could be measured by “real data,” and claims the risk of injury outweighed any reasons to continue the competition.

“To walk away healthy and with a gold medal, while celebrating with my friend that had just jumped as well, it was a no-brainer,” Moon wrote on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. “Part of the reason we’ve reached the highest level is by listening to our bodies, and knowing our limitations. We decided that in this particular moment, sharing glory was just as good as earning it outright.”

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— Katie Moon (@ktnago13) August 25, 2023

Although Moon said she understands that some fans wanted to see a definitive result, she firmly stands by the move.

“In this instance, it was without a doubt the right decision, and one that I will never regret,” she said. “Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a ‘win at all cost’ mindset to have a champion’s mentality.”