EJ Obiena wins his sixth gold in outdoor pole vault as he conquered the Gala dei Castelli in Bellinzona, Switzerland while setting the tournament record of 5.81m.
Filipino Olympian EJ Obiena soars atop of the standings for the second consecutive day by winning the title in the Gala dei Castelli in Bellinzona, Switzerland, on Monday, September 12 (Tuesday, September 13, Manila time), a day after bagging the gold at the Golden Fly Series in Liechtenstein
Obiena cleared 5.81 meters to win the event out performing world No. 2 Christopher Nilsen of the United States, who only reached 5.71m, and French pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie, who settled for third due to countback after his 5.71-meter clearance.
The Filipino pole vaulter started his jump at 5.61m, which he cleared in two attempts, passed 5.71m before clearing 5.81m also on his second try, to reset the meet record of 5.70m made by Tim Lobinger 23 years ago.
He then attempted to reset his personal best and Asian record of 5.93m which he established in the Worlds that took place in Eugene, Oregon last July – but failed to clear 5.95m in three tries.
“Exactly one year ago today, I broke the 29-year-old Asian record in outdoor pole vault by jumping 5.93m,” said Obiena in a Facebook post.
“A lot has happened since then, and just a few hours ago, almost did 6m. As usual, we keep on trying and keep on fighting, for the country,” he then added.
Obiena’s feat resulted in his sixth golden vault and eighth straight podium finish since starting his second European season last month.
EJ conquered competitions such as the Stabhochsprungmeeting in Jockgrim, Germany, the True Athletes Classics in Leverkusen, Germany, the Saint Wendel City Jump in Sankt Wendel, Germany, the Golden Fly Series in Liechtenstein and the Memorial van Damme Diamond League meet in Brussels, Belgium where he defeated the world No. 1 Mondo Duplantis.
He then claimed the bronze in the Athletissima in Lausanne, Switzerland and silver in ISTAF in Berlin, Germany.
Tags: #polevault, #olympics, #athletics