An American pole vaulter took his patriotism to the next level at the Olympics.
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Sam Kendricks, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve and an Olympic pole vaulter, stopped mid-attempt to pay his respects to his country.。

SEE ALSO:Runner's brave gesture at the Rio Olympics could cost him his life
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Kendricks was competing in the qualifying round of the men's pole vault in Rio on Aug. 13, when he skidded to a halt, threw his pole on the ground and stood to attention while the anthem played. The video was posted online by NBC on Sunday.。

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The pause didn't affect Kendricks' pole vault game, with the 23-year-old athlete winning the qualifying event and then going on to win bronze in the final on Monday.。 Kendricks told。Kendricks told。

USA Today 。

on Aug. 13 that his comrades were proud of him, so he hoped to do them proud in return. 。

"I am certainly looking to represent the Americans on two fronts, as a military man and as a U.S. athlete," Kendricks said. "I’m just trying to put my best foot forward for all those soldiers who are watching." 
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He certainly achieved that goal with his patriotic act and his medal. 。He certainly achieved that goal with his patriotic act and his medal.。TopicsOlympics。