By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Filipino pole vaulting sensation EJ Obiena achieved another feat after shattering both his personal best and the Asian record during the Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway last June 10, 2023.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympian finally overcame the challenge of cruising past the six-meter barrier and put the cherry on top when he finished the international tournament with a gold medal.
Obiena has been longing to surpass his 5.94-meter record for over a year now which he did in style after only needing one attempt to make history.
“It all started with a dream to jump over 5m and set the National Record to now be the 24th* person all-time to go over the 6m barrier and the first ever Asian/Filipino,” wrote Obiena on his Facebook account.
The world no. 3 male pole vaulter edged KC Lightfoot during the gold medal round as the American failed in his first try and completed the height in the following attempt.
Sam Kendricks, another representative from the USA, managed to nab the third-place finish after completing the tourney with a 5.88-m tally.
Obiena’s recent milestone will be a huge boost to his next set of international tourneys as he is set to compete in the Oslo Bislett Games in Norway on June 15, 2023.
After the Bislett Games, the 27-year-old superstar will be bracing for a tough task in July when the Paris Games Qualifiers will kick off.
“Still a lot of work ahead and still a long season. Just happy and proud to be part of the 6m Club,” Obiena added.
