The Philippines’ Olympics-bound pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena has just claimed his fourth podium finish to wrap up the Indoor Season after winning the bronze medal in the 2021 Orlen Copernicus Cup in Torun, Poland.
Obiena adds the bronze to the 2 golds and 1 silver that marked his record-breaking jumps of the season.
The first Filipino to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics first went over 5.40 meters in three attempts, easily cleared 5.60 in a single try, reached 5.72 in two tries, and cleared 5.80 in three attempts to secure the podium finish at the Copernicus Cup on February 17, 2021 (February 18 Philippine Time).
Obiena finished the Copernicus Cup in third place behind America’s two-time world champion Sam Kendricks in 1st place and Poland’s Piotr Lisek in 2nd place.
Kendricks cleared 5.80 meters in one try while Lisek and Obiena both succeeded on their 3rd tries. Lisek scored better than Obiena after clearing the 5.72-meter mark in one attempt. All three medal winners attempted but failed to clear 5.87 meters.
“Tough game but thankful for the 5.80m jump on countback.” Obiena shared on his Facebook.
EJ Obiena also thanked his support team at the World Indoor Tour.
“Last leg of the World Indoor Tour has come to an end with the conclusion of @copernicuscup_pl here in Torun. Going “home” with a 🥉and lots and lots of learning plus some bruises.
“Thank you coach #vitalypetrov for traveling and going thru all the covid test, travel, stress, pole transport and most importantly the patience you have given me through and through. Hope to somehow someday to make it all worthwhile 🙏. To the current traveling physio @nikviscu44 , Thanks man!
“To everyone who have made this season possible. From @phil.sportscommission to #patafa and to my sponsors and friends and family and everyone who supported me and maybe doubted me as well. Thank you very much! It’s been a blast and definitely wouldn’t be possible without y’all. #muchlove
“Ciao 👋 2021 Indoor Season,” he posted.
EJ Obiena is preparing to represent the Philippines in the Tokyo Summer Olympics.
SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to the Philippines’ Olympics-bound pole vaulter EJ Obiena for nabbing the Copernicus Cup bronze as he wraps up the World Indoor Tour!
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