Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena made headlines once again as he achieved a remarkable feat in the Istaf meet at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin. Obiena secured his second gold medal victory and set a new Asian indoor record by clearing 5.93 meters, surpassing the previous record of 5.92 meters set by Kazakh athlete Igor Potapovich back in February 1998.
Obiena, who currently ranks as the world’s No. 2 pole vaulter, has been consistently raising the bar in his performances. Earlier this year, he established his indoor best of 5.91 meters at the Perche Elite Tour in Rouen, France. With his recent achievement in Berlin, Obiena continues to prove his prowess in the sport.
During the competition, Obiena aimed to surpass his personal record and clear the bar at 6.03 meters. However, despite his determination and effort, he was unable to achieve this height in three attempts. Nevertheless, his performance was still remarkable and showcased his dedication to pushing his limits.
Obiena’s journey to the gold medal started at a height of 5.56 meters, which he cleared effortlessly in just one attempt. He then decided to skip 5.66 meters and 5.75 meters, moving directly to 5.82 meters. It was at this height that he secured the gold medal, as his closest rival, Tray Oates from the United States of America, failed to clear the bar.
Oates, who finished second to Obiena for the second time, attempted to clear 5.82 meters but was unsuccessful in his three attempts. He then chose to use his remaining two attempts at 5.88 meters, but unfortunately, he couldn’t clear that height either. Oates settled for the silver medal with a clearance of 5.75 meters.
The bronze medal went to Robert Sobera of Poland, who cleared 5.66 meters but fell short in his attempt to clear 5.75 meters. Despite not reaching the podium’s top spot, Sobera’s performance was commendable and showcased the high level of competition in the event.
Obiena’s achievements extend beyond the Istaf meet in Berlin. He made history as the first Filipino athlete to qualify for the Paris Olympics, which will take place later this year. His remarkable performances in various competitions have solidified his position as one of the top pole vaulters in the world.
Looking ahead, Obiena’s next challenge will be the World Indoor Championship in Glasgow, Scotland, scheduled for March 3. As he continues to train and compete on the international stage, Obiena aims to further elevate his performance and make his mark in the world of pole vaulting.
Obiena’s success not only brings pride to his home country of the Philippines but also inspires athletes around the world. His dedication, talent, and continuous pursuit of excellence serve as a testament to the power of hard work and determination in achieving one’s goals.
In conclusion, EJ Obiena’s recent achievement in setting a new Asian indoor record is a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication to the sport of pole vaulting. As he continues to compete on the global stage, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide. We eagerly anticipate his future performances and wish him the best of luck in the upcoming World Indoor Championship in Glasgow.
Source: The Manila Times
