Pole Vault Bronze Medalist Is a US Army Reservist

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.


Army Secretary Eric Fanning tweeted, “Still thinking about @samkendrick’s medal last night, now, even more energized for my trip to #Rio2016. #ArmyProud”


The Department of Defense also took to Twitter to congratulate the Army reservist.


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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