Sam Kendricks, a second lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve, was competing in the Olympic pole vault last week when midway through one of his attempts, “The Star-Spangled Banner” started playing at a medal ceremony happening on the other side of the stadium.
In a show of patriotism for his country and respect for his fellow athletes, Kendricks stopped competing once he heard the national anthem. He stood at attention and didn’t re-do his attempt until the anthem finished.
Kendricks finished third in the men’s pole vault final, earning himself a bronze medal. It was Team USA’s first pole-vaulting medal at the Olympics in 12 years.
Thumbnail photo via Eric Seals/USA TODAY Sports Images
