American pole vaulter Sam Kendricks said he was still “devastated” by the positive Covid-19 test that shattered his Olympic dreams three years ago in Tokyo, as he plans to write a new story at the Paris Games.
“The Olympics screwed me,” he said.
The 31-year-old bronze medallist from Rio was one of the favourites in Tokyo after winning two world titles, but was ruled out after testing positive, becoming one of several athletes forced to withdraw due to health concerns.
“It was a positive test that sealed my fate, not that I was sick,” Kendricks told reporters on Saturday.
“I’m still devastated, and also damaged goods in the eyes of every brand. I can’t go back and change it, and that’s how sports is written.”
On Saturday, Kendricks reached the opening phase of the pole vault with a leap of 5.75 meters.
But he almost didn’t come to the Games. During the U.S. trials, he told reporters he considered staying home.
“The Olympics screwed me over – everyone on Team USA let me down,” he said.
Kendricks did eventually travel to France and was clearly inspired by the fans at the Stade de France.
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“There is no greater joy than being in the Olympic stadium and being welcomed by a crowd that is loving and supportive,” he said. “I missed it, I really did. I never want to miss it again, for any reason.”
If he goes for gold on Monday, Kendricks will face a daunting task in beating world record holder and reigning champion Mondo Duplantis. But he said he relished the opportunity to compete against the Swede.
“Mondo has to realize that I’m in his shadow all the time,” Kendricks said. “I’m like the little boogeyman in Mondo’s life, but he and I are really good together in championships. I’ve never done badly when Mondo has been around, and he’s built me up.”