Sam Kendrick

The United States honors Sam Kendricks as its most accomplished pole vaulter because of his powerful technique and his ability to perform with precision and his unyielding determination. Born on September 7, 1992, in Oceanside, California, he started his vaulting career under his father Scott Kendricks in Oxford, Mississippi. He competed for Oxford High School before leading the University of Mississippi to NCAA championships in both 2013 and 2014.

After turning pro in 2014 and joining Nike he became the leading pole vaulter in the United States. Between 2014 and 2019 he won six outdoor and three indoor national championships while claiming world titles in 2017 and 2019.

In 2019 he achieved a personal best and American record of 6.06 m which made him part of the rare "6-meter club". Kendricks competed in the Olympics three times from 2016 to 2021 and 2024 and won bronze in Rio and silver in Paris by clearing 5.95 m.

His athletic accomplishments coexist with his military service as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve and his ROTC graduation. The gesture he made during the national anthem at Rio by pausing mid-run to honor his military role received praise from President Obama.

Kendricks maintains his home in Oxford, Mississippi with his wife Leanne Zimmer while continuing to train there. Through his dual role as an athlete and military officer he demonstrates exceptional leadership and patriotism while constantly working toward new heights of achievement.