Sam Kendricks chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos at the 2026 USA Track and Field Championships at Randall’s Island Park, where he won the silver medal in the men’s pole vault.
Kendricks jumped 5.82 meters, finishing right behind Chris Nilsen (who jumped the same height but the countback rule worked in his favor)
“I love the USA Track & Field Championships. This was my 20th appearance, and I still get the most excited about going head-to-head with guys like my buddy Chris Nilsen,” Kendrick said. “I was the best man at his wedding, so competing against him is always special. We had a great battle out there today. We had to survive it, but it was a lot of fun.”
“I think there were nine or 10 young guys in the field today. I told them we’re all pole vaulters and field event athletes, and we’re not always the ones making the front page. We have to stick together and support each other because not everyone is going to look out for our event,” Kendricks noted.
“When Chris and I are on the runway, we bring out the best in each other. We don’t wait for anyone’s permission—we just go out there and jump. We compete as hard as we can, then we head back to our friends happy, knowing we gave it everything we had,” Kendricks added.
Reflecting on what the sport has given him, Kendricks said, “Pole vaulting taught me how to be a gentleman.”
Kendricks also discussed his new venture, The Refuge Training Center.
“I started a training club because I wanted to build a home for guys like me and for all the displaced pole vaulters out there. That’s why I call it ‘The Refuge.’ Pole vaulting is a funny thing, and I’m trying to collect all of that pole vault wisdom in one place,” he explained.
For his fans and supporters, Kendricks offered a simple message: “We’re just doing all we can.”
To learn more about elite pole vaulter Sam Kendricks, follow him on Instagram.
