Sam Kendricks, a second lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve, was competing in the pole vault last week when midway through one of his attempts, the star-spangled banner from a medal ceremony happening on the other side of the stadium started playing.
In a show of patriotism for his country and respect for his fellow athletes, Kendricks stopped competing once he heard the national anthem. He put his hand over his heart and didn’t resume 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