Sam Kendricks – The Sunny Boy Among the Pole Vaulters

Pole vaulting has long been the show discipline of athletics. One athlete who masters this form of sporting entertainment particularly well is two-time world champion Sam Kendricks from the USA. He promises the audience at the 21st Jump-Meeting in Cottbus a "party they shouldn’t miss."

Athletic success, charisma, and always a beaming smile – this is what makes Sam Kendricks stand out. He is well aware that the athletes' performances contribute significantly to the success of every Jump-Meeting. His ambition drives him to promise: "My friends and I will deliver athletics that are truly historic."

Kendricks has already secured his place among the world’s greatest pole vaulters of all time: World Champion in 2017 and 2019, a personal best of 6.06 meters, and silver medalist at the 2024 Olympics. And all this while engaging in a constant rivalry with the pole vaulting phenomenon Armand Duplantis. The fact that the Swede is almost unbeatable only motivates Sam Kendricks more, rather than making him resign. This is also what defines the athlete Kendricks: the utmost respect for every one of his competitors.