Sam Kendricks became the first American to win a medal in pole vaulting in over a dozen years when he captured bronze at the Olympics in Rio.
Kendricks, according to Team USA, graduated from the University of Mississippi last year as second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve.
His military background and American pride came beaming through when – during an attempted pole vault – the national anthem began playing.
Kendricks stopped mid-run, dropped his pole, and stood at attention.
Watch Kendricks patriotic actions below …
The video clip is quickly going viral, though naturally no major media news outlet has picked up on it. Patriotism doesn’t sell to the mainstream press.
It is reminiscent of another Olympic story involving the national anthem – a recently resurfaced video of Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt, pausing an interview out of respect to the American national anthem.
Kendricks’ story, even prior to this video making the rounds on social media, is a great source of pride within the military community.
The Army Reserve tweeted their pride …
Earning Bronze. A real #armyolympian serving in the #usarmyreserve and @TeamUSA athlete! #JumpSamJump pic.twitter.com/kPjRdxLSUZ
— U.S. Army Reserve (@USArmyReserve) August 16, 2016
As did the Department of Defense …
.@USArmyReserve @samkendricks pole vaulted to a bronze medal at #Rio2016. Congrats & way to represent @TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/DBOQhP66UV
— U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) August 16, 2016
Kendricks told USA Today, “I am certainly looking to represent the Americans on two fronts, as a military man and as a U.S. athlete.”
You certainly have represented on those two fronts, Mr. Kendricks – your actions represent everything that’s great about our nation.
Thank you and congratulations!
Comment: What do you think of this Olympians patriotic display? Share your thoughts below.