2nd Lt. Sam Kendricks Stopped His Pole Vault Run At Olympics To Stand At Attention For National Anthem

Harrison Lee9 years ago

Sam Kendricks

Sam Kendricks is not only a United States Olympian; he is also a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves with the 655th Transportation Company and a graduate of Ole Miss. On Monday night, in front of a crowd of thousands, Kendricks took home the bronze medal in the pole vault for this fine country. However, that’s not the only story about Kendricks to come out of Rio.

During one of his practice runs, the National Anthem came over the loudspeakers, and Sam did what any patriot would do.

The locals in Rio have dubbed Sam as one of the nicest Olympians ever. When he had the chance to talk about winning the bronze, Sam came off humble as can be, too.

From The Clarion Ledger:

They say back home, and jokingly in track circles, that if you win a medal it will change your life,” Kendricks said. “I think your life is changed on the way to that medal, honestly. With all the journeys and sacrifices that you make, all the training that you do, and the people you leave at home to watch. That is what is really the value of the (medal). I’m glad I have something tangible to bring home and show for it. I know that everybody in Oxford will love to see it. But the journey, like my coach says, is the goal. Not necessarily the medals. And it’s very fun to come and compete, but not necessarily the end of all things.”

What a class act. I would like to buy him a beer for representing this fine nation so greatly. Maybe Sam can help our image after the whole Lochte fiasco..

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[via The Clarion Ledger, Busted Coverage]