Filipino pole vaulting sensation, Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, continues his impressive outdoor season streak with another silver medal win at the Meeting International de Sotteville in France. This victory comes ahead of his much-anticipated participation at the Asian Athletics Championships in Thailand.
EJ Obiena, who made history as the first Filipino athlete to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been on a roll. He cleared 5.82 meters at the Bauhaus-Galan Stockholm Diamond League on July 2, 2023, securing a silver medal and a ticket to the Olympics. He then replicated this success in Rouen, France, on July 7 (July 8 Philippine Standard Time), where he once again clinched silver.
In the French competition, Obiena cleared 5.72 meters in a single attempt, finishing behind Australia’s Kurtis Marschall who cleared 5.95m. He also outperformed France’s Baptiste Thiery, who cleared the same height as Obiena but required two attempts.
Despite multiple attempts to surpass Marschall, Obiena was unable to clear 5.87m in two tries and 5.92m in his final jump. However, his performance remains commendable and a testament to his determination and skill as the Filipino pride claimed his 7th medal in as many competitions in his medal-rich outdoor season.
Filipino pole vault champion EJ Obiena maintained his medal streak with a silver finish at the Meeting International de Sotteville in France. Obiena cleared 5.72m in a single attempt, finishing behind Australia's Kurtis Marschall who cleared 5.95m. Full story on @GoodNewsPinas_ pic.twitter.com/y1o2Ni0XwK
— Angie Quadra Balibay (@AngieQBalibay) July 13, 2023
The 27-year-old Olympian from Tondo, Manila, is now gearing up for the Asian Athletics Championships in Thailand. He will participate in the Men’s Pole Vault Qualifiers on Friday, July 14, aiming for a spot in the finals on Sunday, July 16.
Obiena, currently ranked World No. 3 in men’s pole vault, leads a 23-strong Philippine delegation to the ongoing Asian Athletics Championships. He opted out of the Diamond League leg at the Kamila Skolimowska Memorial in Chorzow, Poland, due to a scheduling conflict with the Asian Championships. This decision could lead to a loss in world ranking points, but Obiena remains undeterred.
In an RP2 Sports interview, Obiena expressed his pride in representing the Philippines at the Asian Championships. “My ranking is very important for me which would be greatly helped if I compete in the Diamond League circuit, but the Asian Championship is very important for the country therefore I need to do it. This is something that I’m lucky enough to do, to represent the flag, therefore I should be able to compete in a regional championship,” he said.
Following the Asian Championships, Obiena will return to Europe to prepare for three more legs of the Diamond League. He aims to reclaim any points he may lose this week. Later this year, Obiena is also set to compete at the World Athletics and the Asian Games, further showcasing his dedication to the sport and his country.
SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to Filipino pole vault champion EJ Obiena for continuing his medal streak with a silver win at the Meeting International de Sotteville in France!
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