Break for Obiena?

COVID rules out US pole vault champ

Two-time world champion Sam Kendricks, one of EJ Obiena’s toughest rivals in pole vault, was ruled out of the Tokyo Olympics competitions on Thursday after testing positive of COVID-19.

The United States Olympics and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) confirmed this in a statement on Twitter, a development that could give Obiena a break in the pole vault competitions which starts tomorrow.

“The health and safety of our athletes, coaches and staff is our top priority. We are saddened to confirm that Sam Kendricks tested positive for COVID-19 and will not compete in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020,” the statement read.

The USOPC added Kendricks has now been transferred into isolation at a hotel in alignment with local rules and protocols.

“Sam is an incredible and accomplished member of Team USA and his presence will be missed. Out of respect for his privacy, we cannot provide more information at this time,” the statement read.

Kendricks, ranked No. 2 in the world, is one of the top medal contenders in the Games along with current world record holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden.

The 28-year-old was aiming to eclipse his bronze medal finish at the 2016 Rio Olympics before the announcement.

The American last saw action at a French meet last July 11, where he ruled the eight-player field.

Prior to that, he competed at the Bauhaus-Galan Wanda Diamond League early July along with Obiena, where the American finished second behind Duplantis. The Filipino came in fourth.