US Army reservist Sam Kendricks, 23, from MS, was running pole in hand when he heard the first notes of the Star-Spangled banner.
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Kendricks pulled off one of the coolest things we saw at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio when he stopped mid pole vault attempt to stand attention in observance of the national anthem.
Kendricks was competing in the qualifying round of the men’s pole vault in Rio on August 13, when he skidded to a halt, threw his pole on the ground and stood to attention while the anthem played.
Kendricks, 23, finished first in the preliminaries and won a bronze medal with a 5.85-meter jump.
He dropped his pole and stood at attention, and the video made the rounds on social media. “I’m just trying to put my best foot forward for all those soldiers who are watching”.
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Kendricks, however, doesn’t see the difference and clearly feels respect for one’s country should always come before sports. He still medaled and ultimately won praise for his act.
