The mark of a true champion is who they are and how they carry themselves.

That’s why Oxford is so proud of Sam Kendricks and his performance in the Olympics.

Winning a bronze in the pole vault is quite an achievement. No Oxford High School graduate has ever performed in the Olympics, much less won a medal. So this bronze means something for Kendricks and his community.

But Sam Kendricks is a champion well beyond that bronze medal, and that’s why Oxford is so proud of its hometown hero. Kendricks projects a positive light and spirit wherever he goes.

Competing on center stage at Rio Monday night in the pole vault finals it was clear that Kendricks was working for something bigger than himself. He represented his hometown. He represented his family. He represented his country. And, he represented his Christian faith.

Kendricks carried the story of his passionate hometown to Rio and helped put Oxford on the map for a story beyond Ole Miss and football.

We are proud of his accomplishments in Rio. Mostly, however, we are proud that Sam Kendricks is quite a man, with the character of a champion.

He makes us Oxford proud.