Sam Kendricks is without doubt one of the most articulate and proficient athletes I’ve loved observing in my 45 years within the sport. In Tokyo, I watched from afar as Sam was quarantined. Within the 2024 Olympic Trials, I feared Sam may not compete in Paris, however his father/coach satisfied one in all our most resilient athletes to offer it his all. Sam Kendricks makes Mondo Duplantis do his greatest every time they compete. They respect one another. This piece was achieved on one in all our favourite American athletes, Deji Ogeyingbo, who spoke to this class act, Olympic bronze and silver medalist Sam Kendricks!
Sam Kendricks and the Olympics- what occurred?
Sam Kendricks is aware of heartbreak. He additionally is aware of redemption.
Kendricks stood on the second step of the Olympic podium in Paris, the silver medal round his neck gleaming below the lights of the Stade de France. For many athletes, this is able to be the top of a profession. For Kendricks, it was one thing far more profound: vindication.
Three years earlier, Kendricks’s Olympic journey appeared cursed. In Tokyo, he didn’t even make it to the runway. A constructive COVID-19 check remoted him, robbing him of his likelihood to compete. The sting of that second lingered for years, shadowing his coaching and sparking questions on whether or not he would ever return to the game’s grandest stage.
However in Paris, Kendricks silenced these doubts with a efficiency equal to ability and defiance. He cleared 5.95m, his greatest leap of the season, to assert silver in a contest that showcased not solely his resilience but additionally the unstoppable dominance of Sweden’s Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, who soared to gold with an Olympic-record 6.10m.
Tokyo’s Bitter Blow
Kendricks was no stranger to the strain of the Olympics. He had already earned bronze in Rio in 2016, a efficiency that solidified him as one of many world’s prime vaulters. Heading into Tokyo in 2021, he was seen as a medal favourite.
However simply days earlier than he was set to compete, catastrophe struck. A compulsory COVID-19 check got here again constructive, forcing him into quarantine. Wholesome but helpless, Kendricks might do nothing however watch because the Olympic pole vault closing unfolded with out him.
“To sit down there, understanding you’ve achieved the whole lot proper, understanding you’re prepared, after which be instructed you may’t compete, it was crushing,” Kendricks recalled. “It took me a very long time to launch that anger.”
For some time, it appeared like he may not come again. The frustration drained his ardour, and accidents started to pile up. However the fireplace by no means solely went out.
When the U.S. Olympic Trials rolled round earlier this 12 months, Kendricks returned to his outdated self, successful the occasion with a meet-record leap. The victory secured his ticket to Paris and set the stage for his redemption arc.
The Mondo Issue
Whereas Kendricks’ story was one in all perseverance, Armand Duplantis finally dominated the boys’s pole vault closing in Paris.
The 24-year-old Swede, usually referred to as a “freak of nature,” has redefined what’s potential within the sport. Duplantis combines explosive athleticism with technical precision, breaking world data virtually as usually as he competes.
In Paris, he was untouchable. After clinching gold, Duplantis pushed himself additional, clearing 6.10 meters to set a brand new Olympic file. The convenience with which he vaulted left the group and his rivals in awe.
“Mondo is the usual proper now,” Kendricks mentioned. “You’ll be able to’t assist however admire what he’s doing, even when you’re the man chasing him.”
Blood and Grit in Paris
Kendricks’ journey to silver wasn’t with out drama. Halfway by means of the competitors, as he ready for his first try at 6.0m, a misstep on the runway triggered his spikes to puncture his hand. Blood streamed down his arm, however he didn’t let it distract him.
“I’ve obtained sharp spikes and tender fingers,” he joked afterward, displaying the bandaged wounds. “It’s not the primary time and gained’t be the final.”
Although he fell wanting clearing 6.0m, Kendricks’ earlier jumps had been sufficient to safe second place. As he landed on the mat after his 5.95m clearance, he pumped his fist, a mixture of aid and triumph written throughout his face.
The silver medal marked his greatest Olympic consequence and was a robust reminder of what he might obtain.
A Difficult Love Story
Kendricks has all the time had an advanced relationship with the Olympics. From the highs of Rio to the heartbreak of Tokyo and now the redemption of Paris, his journey has been something however easy.
“The Olympics and I’ve had our ups and downs,” Kendricks mentioned with a wry smile. “However I hold coming again as a result of there’s nothing else prefer it. It’s the place you discover out who you actually are.”
Off the observe, Kendricks is as grounded as they arrive. A religious Christian, husband, father, and officer within the U.S. Military Reserve, he balances the pressures of elite competitors with a life steeped in religion and household.
When requested what retains him going, Kendricks didn’t hesitate. “It’s about exhibiting my youngsters that you simply don’t quit. It doesn’t matter what knocks you down, you rise up and struggle.”
