Olympic Trials Men’s Pole Vault — Kendricks’ First Crown In 5 Years

ON PAPER, KC Lightfoot, Chris Nilsen and Sam Kendricks, a trio with numerous global medals, American Records and 6-meter (19-8¼ or higher) clearances between them, should have easily qualified for the Olympic team.

But Lightfoot was unable to clear 18-4½ (5.60) in the qualifying round and did not advance to the final.

Nilsen cleared 18-8¼ (5.70) in the qualifying round and advanced to the finals, but he missed twice in the process and looked to be well off his best form.

Kendricks jumped effectively in the qualifying round, but told reporters after that he was considering declining his spot on the Olympic team if he qualified, citing dissatisfaction with his treatment after a failed Covid test at the Tokyo Olympics.

In the final the field of 13 was reduced to 9 after the first two heights of 17-11¼ (5.47) and 18-5¼ (5.62).

Kendricks and NCAA champion Keaton Daniel cleared 18-9¼ (5.72) on their first attempts to move into 1st and 2nd, Nilsen and Jacob Wooten cleared on their second attempts and moved into a tie for 3rd. 2021 Olympian Matt Ludwig had a clutch third-attempt make to stay in the competition in 5th place.

The competition seemed like it might end with lower heights than expected, only Kendricks was clearing the bar with extra height, but at 19-1 (5.82) the rest of the vaulters found new life. Daniel began the round with a clearance, a new lifetime best. Wooten followed with a first-attempt clearance, matching his season best. Nilsen responded with a clearance, also on first try, an outdoor season best. Kendricks followed with a big clearance. Only Ludwig was unable to clear on his first attempt; he then chose to pass to the next height.

At 19-3 (5.87), Daniel missed at first time of asking, but Wooten, Nilsen and Kendricks all cleared on their first attempts, to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd. Ludwig missed; he and Daniel then passed.

At 19-5 (5.92), a meet record, all five vaulters missed their first goes at the bar, ending the competition for Ludwig.

Daniel missed his second attempt, ending his competition due to his earlier pass, and the Olympic team was solidified as Kendricks, Nilsen and Wooten.

Nilsen and Wooten were unable to clear 5. 19-5, but Kendricks made it over easily on his second attempt for a new meet record and his first USA title since 2019.

Kendricks chose to…