Sam Kendricks, the legendary U.S. gymnast, made headlines back in 2016 when he stopped in the middle of his performance to pay respects to the national anthem. On this year’s 4th of July, NBC Sports tweeted on their official account, reminding everyone of Kendricks’s patriotic gesture.

Kendricks, then 23 years old, was a second lieutenant and part of the eighteen-member team from the U.S. military. He was attempting the pole vault in the Rio Olympic games when he heard the national anthem playing in the background. His reaction to his country’s anthem left everyone stunned.

Sam Kendricks Won Hearts With His Patriotism

As military personnel, Kendricks was trained to show respect and honor to his country. His exemplary love and devotion to the national anthem made Kendricks stop just as he was running up to make his vault with the pole in his hand. The Mississippi native stopped running instinctively when he heard the first notes of the national anthem. After he stopped abruptly, the athlete let go of the pole to stand at attention.

For Sam Kendricks to halt before making the jump in the qualifying round of the Olympic games was a testament to his unwavering respect for his country. The patriot also made his country proud by vaulting at a height of 19 feet, 2 1/4 inches which earned him a bronze medal.

The last time anyone won a medal at the event was Timothy Mack in the year 2004. On this year’s Independence Day, NBC Sports reminded the country of the young athlete’s love for his country.

Remembering Sam Kendricks’ Inspiring Act of Patriotism

Kendricks’ father, Scott, is a veteran himself and had served his country for ten years in the Marines. Later, he became Sam’s coach preparing him for the Olympic pole vault event. In an interview to an internet source, Sam spoke about his motivation to halt before the vault saying, “I am certainly looking to represent the Americans on two fronts, as a military man and as a U.S. athlete.”

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As this post grabs more of the attention of internet users, more and more people will be reminded of the iconic moment. It might also bring many people together in this divided political climate. The act will nevertheless teach many what it means to love one’s country.

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