Tokyo Olympics-bound Ernest John “EJ” Obiena has given the Philippines its first-ever medal at the Monaco Diamond League pole vault competition.
The 24-year-old Obiena’s successful campaign in Monaco on August 15, 2020, is his third time playing in the annual competition among the world’s best pole vaulters.
“Third time playing in the Diamond League and finished third. This is a significant event for the Philippines because for the first time, a Filipino pitted against the world’s bests and got a podium finish,” wrote Obiena on his Facebook post.
“Thank you for all your prayers, words of encouragement and staying up late to watch. I will try to keep doing better and carry the flag proud,” Asia’s top pole vaulter added.
EJ Obiena’s historic bronze medal finish in the men’s pole vault event was made after he cleared his season’s best finish at 5.70 meters during the Diamond League Athletics Meeting at The Louis II Stadium in Monaco.
Obiena made the podium finish in the 6-man event where Armand Duplantis of Sweden won the gold after clearing 6.00 meters. Ben Broeders of Belgium also cleared 5.70 meters and was ranked in 2nd as he made fewer attempts to clear the bar.
Prior to Monaco, EJ Obiena finished with a silver at the 13th Triveneto International Meeting in Trieste, Italy.
EJ Obiena is set to compete in the Finest Pole Vaulter in the World competition as it streams live on August 17 starting at 9 p.m. (Philippine Time).
SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to Olympics-bound EJ Obiena for giving the Philippines its 1st medal at the Monaco Diamond League!
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