US pole vaulter stops mid-stride when he hears the national anthem
A U.S. pole vaulter and Army reserve officer showed his American spirit earlier this week in Rio when he stopped just moments before attempting a jump to stand at attention.
His reasoning? The national anthem had started playing in the background.
A video posted by NBC Sunday shows 2nd Lt. Sam Kendricks sprinting full speed ahead at the apparatus as “The Star Spangled Banner” begins to play, at which point he halts his attempt.
2nd LT Sam Kendricks stops mid-run to stand at attention when he hears the national anthem🇺🇸 https://t.co/9yoosVTGNC https://t.co/aNohNvGWxN
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 21, 2016
Kendricks went on to win bronze in the men’s pole vault competition, the first American man to medal in the event in 12 years. He was also the first member of the U.S. military to medal in Rio.
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
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