In an amazing moment of patriotism last week, a USA pole vaulter who was in the middle of a qualifying jump at the Olympics stopped short on the runway with pole in hand to stand at attention when he heard the Star-Spangled Banner coming from a distant loudspeaker.
US Army reservist Sam Kendricks from Mississippi, was running pole in hand when he heard the first notes of the national anthem and his love of country took precedence.
A video released by NBC Olympics shows the second lieutenant in the midst one of his attempts to qualify that day but, instead, the 23-year-old stopped dead in his tracks and let go of the pole to respectfully stand still.
Kendricks, a former track star at Ole Miss, looked a bit confused as he remained standing for the entire duration of the song.
Kendricks, a former track star at Ole Miss, looked a bit confused as he remained standing for the entire duration of the song.
When it was over, the soldier clapped and promptly picked up the pole and went on to jump.
It is unclear whether Kendricks received any penalty for stopping in the middle of a run, but he qualified and went on to win the bronze medal last week — clearing 5.85 meters — over 19 feet.
Kendricks' decision has earned him the respect of many on social media, who commended him for his respectful act.
But my question is why NBC took so long to publicize it?
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