US Army reservist and former Ole Miss track star Sam Kendricks made headlines this week for his response to the sound of his country’s national anthem. The 23-year-old 2nd Lieutenant was running at full speed on a vault attempt when the anthem started to play during his qualifying jump. He came to a screeching halt, dropped the pole, and immediately stood at attention while searching for his flag. This simple act of patriotism has drawn attention and praise across the country. Kendricks would go on to earn a bronze medal, making him the first American to earn a medal in men’s pole vault in the last 12 years.