Katie Moon’s 2025 season is taking a new shape—thanks in part to the arrival of veteran coach Paul “Budgie” Burgess in the coaching team.
The reigning Olympic and world pole vault champion claimed her first Wanda Diamond League victory of the year at the Meeting International Mohammed VI d’Athletisme in Rabat, Morocco. Behind her winning jump was a deeper storyline of transition, trust, and tactical renewal.
Katie Moon cleared 15-6.25 (4.73m) to top a competitive field, edging out Slovenia’s Tina Šutej and fellow American Gabby Leon, who both finished at 15-2.25 (4.63m). After an initial clearance at 14-9 (4.50m) on her first attempt, Moon needed a second try at 15-2.25 before executing a clean jump at the winning height.
She then took three ambitious but unsuccessful attempts at 15-9 (4.80m). That was a mark that would have surpassed Amanda Moll’s outdoor world lead of 15-8.25 (4.78m) set just a week prior.
While Moon’s technical execution and competitive spirit remain unquestioned.The presence of Burgess in her camp has added a crucial new dimension. The former Australian pole vaulter and elite coach joined her team ahead of the Doha Diamond League meet after parting ways with the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) under controversial circumstances.
The journey of coach Paul Burges
In April 2024, Burgess resigned from WAIS and was subsequently banned from accessing its facilities. An unspoken fallout tied to his role in exposing sexual harassment allegations against former WAIS coach Alex Parnov.
“I was never officially told I was banned,” Burgess said in one of the interviews.“But I was informed that WAIS had security stationed for weeks after I left in case I showed up. That told me everything I needed to know.”
With coaching opportunities in Australia essentially closed off, Burgess looked abroad—and found a timely fit with Moon, whose main coach is currently relocating and unable to travel. What began as a temporary collaboration has quickly evolved into a valuable partnership.
“Budgie has brought exactly what I needed this season,” Moon said during the press conference ahead of Rabat. “His energy, his feedback, and his calm approach—it’s all helped me stay focused and push for more. He sees things others miss.”
Burgess, who helped guide Nina Kennedy to Olympic gold in Paris just months ago, now finds himself in the corner of Kennedy’s fiercest rival. Yet, his focus remains on athlete development, and Moon’s commitment to refining technique and raising the bar aligns perfectly with his vision.
With more Diamond League events ahead and the outdoor season heating up, the new alliance between Moon and Burgess is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing storylines in the sport. It’s a story not just of coaching, but of rebirth, resilience, and the impact of the right person at the right time.
