By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Filipino pole-vaulting superstar EJ Obiena is back on track after clinching the gold medal during the Irena Szewinska Memorial tournament in Bydgoszcz, Poland, on June 21, 2024.
Obiena delivered a spectacular performance in Poland, achieving his best finish in any outdoor pole-vaulting event of the year. The 28-year-old athlete cleared 5.97 meters, securing the solo gold medal.
Obiena’s campaign was flawless as he smoothly cleared 5.55 meters and 5.75 meters in his first two attempts. As the competition progressed, he continued to excel, clearing 5.82 meters and 5.87 meters.
For his championship-clinching jump, all eyes were on Obiena as he successfully cleared 5.97 meters.
Emmanouil Karalis of Greece placed second with a height of 5.92 meters, while Poland’s Piotr Lisek finished third with 5.75 meters.
Obiena’s victory in Poland followed his win at the Los Angeles Grand Prix on May 19, 2024.
In Los Angeles, Obiena topped the score sheet with a height of 5.80 meters, outpacing seven other competitors from different nations. He was the only athlete to clear 5.80 meters, capping off his impressive routine with another convincing finish.
KC Lightfoot and Simen Guttormsen tied for second place in Los Angeles, each clearing 5.70 meters.
