Sam Kendricks in action
America’s pole vault star Sam Kendricks has praised the Local Organising Committee for smooth running of the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, saying the ongoing event has features which could be set as benchmark in the future.
Kendricks retained his men’s pole vault world title after a thrilling contest in the final with teenage sensation Arman Duplantis of Sweden and Poland’s Piotr Lisek, claiming the silver and bronze medals.
Soon after clinching his second successive gold medal, the American star said he did not mind comparatively less number of spectators at the Khalifa International Stadium and gave thumbs up to the organisers.
“Let me change the question,” Kendricks said while responding to a query about the turnout.
“Do you go to the competition seeking the competition or you go to the competition seeking more people to scream your name?”
“There are hundreds in my home town who wish that they could fill up those stands. The people in Qatar have done a great job and the cameras and lights, the volunteers they help, everything has gone so smooth and that is the championships we should model after,” said the USA star.
Kendricks was involved in an epic battle with Duplantis for a gold medal, and was eventually crowned the champion for his first time clearance of the 5.92m barrier. That made his victory as the most memorable for him.
“The best is a hard phrase but I can tell about most memorable. What does the competition make memorable? Is it a high jump; is it a lot of guys jumping pretty high? I think that it’s the drama of the event. And I think that this last hour and last jumps were the best thing I have ever been through,” he said before predicting a tough battle in next year’s Tokyo Olympics.
“Because of the environment we built ourselves in this event it only builds bright future. Duplantis, after winning the European championships said that he is ready for the next level. And 6.05 is not to be taken lightly.
“This year, my friend Piotr Lisek has built every sense from the beginning of the outdoor season. In May in Doha, I was here and I won. When you put those guys together, they make it each other hard and make it under pressure,” he said.
Sweden’s 19-year-old Duplantis was content with his effort of clearing the barriers on crucial stages in Tuesday’s final.
“I did a lot of critical jumps. But I gave all 100 percent; I gave it mine all. I’m happy with way the things went,” he said before adding winning championships are more important that making a world record.
“The world record is the world record. It definitely gonna be a big achievement for me, but I think championship meets are more important.
“You can jump as high as you can, but you have to be great at the big moments, when everybody watches on you, when you are under the pressure. The world record wouldn’t be cool, but the championships medals are most important to me. Sometimes it’s good to lose. It gives you motivation,” he added.
For his part, Lisek relished to be a part of big rivalry in men’s pole vault.
“Every time when I compete with them, it is not easy to beat them. Season was very long so it was hard for me. I am a young father now and want to go home and see my daughter. Glad to be with these two guys here today.”
Asked whether national record is more important or winning a big medal, the Polish said: “Both things are important. But to be a father is more important for me. I am happy the season finished and get the rest with my family. I have been through 42 competitions this year. I got a handicap tonight, as I was tired.”
