Courtesy: Olympics.com
Filipino Olympian and pole vault star EJ Obiena settled for second place in the Domspringen Wesel Internationales Stabhochsprung meeting in Wesel, Germany on Wednesday, Philippine time.
Obiena cleared 5.75 meters to take the silver, behind France’s Robin Emig, who successfully defended his throne with a 5.80-meter clearance.
The Filipino Asian record holder needed two attempts to clear 5.75 meters after passing on the 5.60m, 5.65m, and 5.70-meter bars. He then tried to clear 5.85 meters but failed in all three attempts.
Meanwhile, American Cole Walsh placed third with a 5.70-meter clearance on countback, edging France’s Ethan Cormont, who also cleared the same height.
In a post on social media, the Filipino vaulter admitted that fatigue finally caught up with him after competing in six meets over the past 14 days.
He also acknowledged making too many mistakes on the earlier bars, which he said he eventually paid the price for.
Since August 5, Obiena has competed in six meets, winning three of them, including the 30th International Pole Vault Meeting in Jockgrim, Germany, Golden Sand in Poland and the ISTAF Berlin in Germany.
He also secured his spot at the 2027 World Championships in Beijing, China, after placing fifth with 5.90 meters in Zurich, Switzerland last August 27.
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