Sam Kendricks is likely one of the most articulate and gifted 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 won’t compete in Paris, however his father/coach satisfied one in every of our most resilient athletes to provide it his all. Sam Kendricks makes Mondo Duplantis do his finest every time they compete. They respect one another. This piece was performed on one in every of 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 beneath the lights of the Stade de France. For many athletes, this could be the top of a profession. For Kendricks, it was one thing rather 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 take a look at 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 finest bounce of the season, to assert silver in a contest that showcased not solely his resilience but in addition 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 stress 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 take a look at got here again constructive, forcing him into quarantine. Wholesome but helpless, Kendricks may do nothing however watch because the Olympic pole vault remaining unfolded with out him.
“To sit down there, realizing you’ve performed the whole lot proper, realizing you’re prepared, after which be advised 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 won’t 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 previous self, successful the occasion with a meet-record bounce. The victory secured his ticket to Paris and set the stage for his redemption arc.
The Mondo Issue
Whereas Kendricks’ story was one in every of perseverance, Armand Duplantis in the end dominated the lads’s pole vault remaining in Paris.
The 24-year-old Swede, typically known as a “freak of nature,” has redefined what’s attainable within the sport. Duplantis combines explosive athleticism with technical precision, breaking world information virtually as typically 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 document. The convenience with which he vaulted left the group and his opponents in awe.
“Mondo is the usual proper now,” Kendricks stated. “You possibly can’t assist however admire what he’s doing, even should 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 prompted his spikes to puncture his hand. Blood streamed down his arm, however he didn’t let it distract him.
“I’ve received sharp spikes and tender fingers,” he joked afterward, displaying the bandaged wounds. “It’s not the primary time and received’t be the final.”
Although he fell in need of 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 finest Olympic end result and was a strong reminder of what he may obtain.
A Difficult Love Story
Kendricks has at all times had a sophisticated 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 stated with a wry smile. “However I maintain 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 monitor, 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 displaying my youngsters that you just don’t surrender. It doesn’t matter what knocks you down, you stand up and combat.”
