These Olympians are in no particular order, and what makes them stand out, is that they were all underdogs in their sporting events.
Sam Kendricks: Mississippi native Sam Kendricks was the bronze medalist in the men’s pole vault, where he cleared 5.85 meters on his first attempt. Kendricks is also a second lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve.
Michelle Carter: Carter was the gold medalist in the women’s shot put, where she bested two-time Olympic champion Valerie Adams. Carter triumphed with a personal best of 20.63 meters in her final throw. It is no wonder that she is affectionately known as the “Shot Diva.”
Helen Maroulis: Maroulis made history by becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling, where she defeated three-time Olympic gold medalist Saori Yoshida.
Thiago Braz da Silva: Finally, Thiago Braz da Silva showcased amazing sportsmanship in the men’s pole vault, and was able to achieve a personal best of 6.03 meters in the men’s pole vault final in front of a home crowd. 6.03 meters would also become a new Olympic record and South American record.
