Fans from all around Oxford have been publicly supporting Sam Kendricks with signs that say “Jump Sam, Jump.” Kendricks, a recent Ole Miss graduate, is the favorite to win the Bronze medal, according to SI.com.
Kendricks was first in the qualifier on Saturday night, clearing every jump in the round. The biggest competition for Sam is Frenchman Renaud Lavillenie. Lavillenie cleared 5.96 meters earlier this year.
Lavillenie currently owns the world record jump. He hit 6.16 meters in 2014. The record was set indoors though.
For Kendricks to win the gold, he will either have to jump higher than he has ever jumped, or hope that Lavillenie has a bad jump.