Kendricks hopes to get the better of rival Duplantis

Big threat: Sam Kendricks inflicted a rare defeat on Armand Duplantis at the Gateshead Diamond League meet in May. — AFP

TOKYO: American pole vaulter Sam Kendricks said he was looking forward to elevate his game and challenge world record holder Sweden’s Armand “Mondo” Duplantis for medals.

Kendricks, 28, who beat Duplantis in 2019 in Doha to retain his world title and won bronze at the Rio Olympics five years ago, told reporters that he used events in Europe following the US Olympic trials in June to hone his jump and will rest before flying to Tokyo for the games.