EJ Obiena wins historic bronze medal in Monaco

Philippines’ Ernest John Obiena competes in the men’s pole vault event during the Diamond League Athletics Meeting at The Louis II Stadium in Monaco on August 14, 2020. (Photo by Valery HACHE / POOL / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena made history after bagging the bronze medal in the 2020 Monaco Diamond Leauge early Saturday morning (Manila time) at The Louis II Stadium in Monaco.

The Tokyo Olympics-bound Obiena became the first Filipino to land on the podium in the competition after he cleared a season-best 5.70 meters.

“Third time playing in the Diamond League and finished third. This is a significant event for the Philippines and I’m proud to deliver this podium finish,” Obiena wrote on Facebook.

“Being the only Filipino to play in the Diamond League and the only one to win a medal, I am truly grateful. Thank you for all your prayers, words of encouragement and staying up late to watch. I will try to keep doing better and carry the flag proud.”

Obiena delivered despite still groping for form after he was forced to stop training for more than a month due to the coronavirus pandemic lockdown in Italy.

Swedish star Armand Duplantis, the current world record holder (6.18 meters), won the gold after clearing 6.00 meters.

Earlier this month, the 24-year-old Obiena delivered the silver in the 13th Triveneto International Meeting in Trieste, Italy.