The American pole vaulter Sam Kendricks said he was still “broken” from the positive Covid-19 test that shattered his Olympic dreams in Tokyo three years ago, as he aims to write a new story at the Paris Games.
“The Olympics screwed me,” he said.
Now 31, the Rio bronze medallist was one of the favourites in Tokyo after winning two world titles but was ruled out after he returned a positive test, thereby becoming one of several athletes forced to withdraw under health protocols.
“It was a positive test that sealed my fate, not that I was sick at all,” Kendricks told reporters on Saturday.
“I’m still broken because of it, and also damaged goods in the eyes of every brand. I can’t go back and change it, and that is how sports are written.“
On Saturday, Kendricks got through the opening stage of the pole vault competition with a leap of 5.75 metres.
But he nearly did not come to the Games. At the US trials, he told reporters he was considering staying home.
“The Olympics screwed me – everybody at Team USA left me behind,” he said.
In the event, Kendricks did travel to France and was clearly inspired by the fans at the Stade de France.
after newsletter promotion
“There is no greater joy than being in the Olympic stadium and being welcomed in front of a crowd that is loving and supporting,” he said. “I have missed it, I really have. I never want to be without it for any reason ever again.”
When he goes for gold on Monday, Kendricks will face a huge task to beat the world record holder and defending champion, Mondo Duplantis. But he said he was relishing the chance to compete against the Swede.
“Mondo has to realise that I’m in his shadow all the time,” Kendricks said. “I am like the small bogeyman in Mondo’s life, but he and I are very good together in championships. I’ve never done poorly when Mondo has been there, and he has built me up.”
