moodboard/iStock/Thinkstock(RIO DE JANIERO) — Sam Kendricks soared into the history books on Monday, winning the first Team USA medal in pole vaulting in 12 years. He cleared 5.85 meters — over 19 feet — to win the bronze medal at the Rio Olympic Games.
Among his biggest fans? The U.S. Army!
Kendricks graduated from the University of Mississippi last year as second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve, according to Team USA.
On Monday night, the Army Reserve tweeted a video congratulating Kendricks with the hashtag #JumpSamJump.
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
Army Secretary Eric Fanning tweeted, “Still thinking about @samkendrick’s medal last night, now, even more energized for my trip to #Rio2016. #ArmyProud”
Still thinking about @SamKendricks‘s medal last night, Now, even more energized for my trip to #Rio2016. #ArmyProud https://t.co/fhka6bPOwF
— Eric Fanning (@SECARMY) August 16, 2016
The Department of Defense also took to Twitter to congratulate the Army reservist.
.@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 is a five-time U.S. pole vaulting champion and 2012 Olympian. He is coached by his father, Scott.
“As a military man and a U.S. athlete, I keep my haircut in order to put the best foot forward for all the soldiers who are watching,” he told Team USA. “Those guys are really proud of me and have given me every chance to continue as a civilian.”
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