Mural of Busselton-born Olympic gold medallist Nina Kennedy painted over in case of unfortunate timing

A mural of Busselton-born Olympic gold medallist Nina Kennedy in her home town has been painted over in a case of unfortunate timing. Only days after the pole vault champion went public with allegations of inappropriate behaviour against her former coach at the WA Institute of Sport, Alex Parnov, the artwork, commissioned by airline Qantas ahead of the Paris Olympics, was covered up with grey paint. It is understood the removal of the mural is not related to the recent news and was instead a result of the contract used to hire the space expiring. The mural was located on the side of the Orana Cinema in Albert Street and was one of 10 commissioned by the national carrier as part of its sponsorship of the Olympic team. Sports Minister David Templeman confirmed this week he was briefed on the claims last year and was supportive of what WAIS chair Neale Fong said was a decision “not reopen the Parnov issues” before the Paris Games in accordance with Kennedy’s wishes. Speaking after the mural was unveiled, Kennedy said seeing it had sparked a feeling of pride. “Busselton played a huge part in shaping me into the person I am and I feel grateful that the South West has embraced me to the extent of a mural — how special is that?” she said. Other murals around the country commissioned by Qantas included Matt Denny in Allora, Queensland, Ariarne Titmus in Launceston and Cortnee Vine in Brisbane. In New South Wales Maurice Longbottom has a mural in Bondi with Angus Lambie at Cronulla, Jamieson Leeson in Dundeoo. Swimming Ahmed Kelly was featured in Melbourne and the campaign also included wheelchair rugby star Chris Bond and the Australian Artistic Swimming Team. The Times understands the murals were all painted on a similar rental agreement with the company leasing the walls, then losing access once the agreements expire.