More Than The Score - Sam Kendricks and his emotional return to Tokyo

Download Sam Kendricks and his emotional return to Tokyo

US pole vaulter Sam Kendricks was in Japan ready for the start of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 when he received a notification to say he had tested positive for Covid. It meant the reigning world champion couldn’t compete and he would spend the next 10 days in isolation.

What was that time like for Kendricks and how does he feel about returning to the Japanese capital for the World Athletics Championships?

The now Olympic silver and bronze medallist speaks to Ed Harry and Ade Adedoyin – who are also facing a different experience in Tokyo than when they were there four years ago – about his previous time in Tokyo and what life has been like since. Will the World Championships being in the city help him make peace with the country?

Published on Thursday, 11th September 2025.

Available Podcasts from More Than The Score

Subscribe to More Than The Score

We are not the BBC, we only list available podcasts. To find out more about the programme including episodes available on BBC iPlayer, go to the More Than The Score webpage.