History of Sam Kendricks in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 6, 2024

Sam Kendricks is a highly accomplished American pole vaulter. He has won multiple national championships both indoors and outdoors, as well as Olympic bronze and silver medals. Kendricks achieved a remarkable feat in 2019 by setting the American pole vault record at 6.06 meters, a mark that places him among the top pole vaulters in history. His success extends to the world stage, where he claimed gold medals at the World Championships.

September 7, 1992: Birth of Sam Kendricks

Sam Kendricks was born on September 7, 1992.

2009: High School State Championship

Sam Kendricks led his high school team to victory in the MHSAA 5A State Championship in 2009, setting a state record in pole vaulting.

2010: State Championship Wins

Sam Kendricks continued his winning streak by securing victories in the state meet outdoors in 2010.

2011: State Championship Wins and Gatorade Athlete of the Year

Sam Kendricks won the state meet in both indoor and outdoor pole vaulting and was named the Gatorade boys' high school track and field athlete of the year for Mississippi in 2011.

2013: NCAA Championship Win

Sam Kendricks won the NCAA Championships in 2013 while vaulting for the University of Mississippi.

2014: Start of Professional Pole Vaulting Career

Sam Kendricks began his professional pole vaulting career, marking the start of his national and international success between 2014 and 2019.

2014: NCAA Championship Win and Turning Pro

Sam Kendricks won the NCAA Championships again in 2014 and subsequently decided to turn pro, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2015: Personal Best and US Outdoor Championship Win

Sam Kendricks achieved a personal best of 5.86 meters at the indoor Reno Pole Vault Summit in 2015 and went on to win the men's pole vault at the 2015 US Outdoor Championships.

2016: Olympic Bronze Medal and Patriotic Gesture

Sam Kendricks secured the bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. He also drew attention for stopping mid-vault to stand at attention during the national anthem.

2016: Olympic Bronze Medalist

Sam Kendricks won the bronze medal in pole vaulting at the 2016 Olympic Games.

June 24, 2017: Joining the Six Meter Club

Sam Kendricks became the 22nd person to join the exclusive six meters club by clearing a height of 6.00 meters at the 2017 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.