Australia's team for the World Athletics Championships has received a big blow, with the withdrawal of defending pole vault champion and Olympic gold medallist Nina Kennedy.

Kennedy posted to Instagram on Friday, confirming her decision.

"Not the news I want to be sharing. Sooooo I've strained a muscle in my leg in one of my last sessions before worlds 😵‍💫 (not near the surgery site, which is a win)," she said.

"I'm sad to say I'll be withdrawing from the World Championships."

Kennedy was set to compete in Tokyo — at the championships, which begin on September 13 — attempting to defend the world title she won jointly with American Katie Moon in Budapest two years ago. Loading external content

The Australian star recently underwent hamstring surgery after having three strains in

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