By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Prized pole vaulter EJ Obiena just clinched his first gold medal of the season amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Tokyo-bound Obiena prevailed over a tough batch of opponents and stood tall among the giants in the 59th Ostrava Golden Spike held in Czech Republic.
Obiena was against the reigning two-time world champion Sam Kendricks of the US and defending Olympic champion, Thiago Braz of Brazil.
The 24-year-old Filipino pride went all out and seemed unfazed going against the accomplished pole vaulters of the world after registering 5.74 meters to put his name in first place.
Aside from Kendricks and Braz, Obiena was also up against the silver medalist in the Rio De Janeiro Games, Renauld Lavilenie of France who placed behind PH’s representative.
The Ostrava Golden Spike tourney is one of the most prestigious athletics events in Czech Republic and is considered to be a gold-tier event.
Obiena’s participation in the recently concluded tourney is part of his off-season conditioning and training for the upcoming 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
