Two-time World Champion Pole Vaulter Ineligible Due To Positive Test

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Photo Image of Sport

Sam Kendricks' Olympic Games has been cut short due to a positive COVID-19 test that will prohibit him from competing in Tokyo. It's a shocking development as Team USA prepares to begin competition Friday.

The USATF made the announcement:

Per the USOPC's announcement, U.S. pole vaulter Sam Kendricks has tested positive for COVID-19 and is therefore ineligible to compete at the Tokyo Games. He and his close contacts were immediately notified and protocols were activated to isolate the athlete. We are following the USOPC and TOCOG's guidance on next steps to ensure the safety of the remainder of our delegation, and to offer support to Sam.

Kendricks is the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, the U.S. record holder, and is ranked No. 2 in the world. 

Last week, Kendricks conducted a public workout at his private facility in Mississippi days before boarding a plane for Tokyo. 

"My hometown is showing up to watch my last practice," Kendricks said on a USATF-organized Zoom with media last week. "Best of luck to all my teammates and I'll see you in Tokyo."

With that, he signed off the press conference.

The USOPC announced that Kendricks was moved from the athletes' village to a hotel to be placed in isolation in accordance with the rules and guidelines in place. 

As a result of Kendricks' positive result, all 63 members of the Australian track team have also gone into lockdown due to contract tracing. In addition, Argentinian pole vaulter German Chiaraviglio also tested positive for COVID-19 and is unable to compete in Tokyo.

The USATF left the decision of whether or not to be vaccinated up to each individiual athlete. In another press conference, prior to the U.S. Olympic Trials in June, Kendricks said he had competed in 20 events in 2020 and been through "every type of protocol and testing that you can possibly imagine," but he did not reveal whether or not he had received the vaccine.