Obiena sets new PH pole vault record, takes silver in Paris Diamond League

The Philippines’ Ernest John Obiena, who came second, competes in the men’s pole vault event during the IAAF Diamond League athletics meet at the Charlety Stadium in Paris on August 28, 2021. (Photo by Lucas BARIOULET / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines—EJ Obiena set a new personal and Philippine record in his silver medal finish in the men’s pole vault competition of the IAAF Diamond League Saturday (Manila time) at Charlety Stadium in Paris.

The Filipino Olympian cleared 5.91 meters to supplant his previous record of 5.87m he set in Poland in July 2020.

Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Armand Duplantis secured the title and new competition record in Paris when he vaulted 6.01m.

“A 2nd place finish at the Paris 2021 Diamond League, and a new national record and personal best of 5.91m. Thank you God! And thank you to those who keep on supporting and believing despite the ups and downs. Getting there,” Obiena posted on social media.

Both Duplantis and Obiena had better outings in Paris after they finished fifth and fourth in Lausanne, Switzerland just several days before the competition in France.

Christopher Nilsen took the Paris bronze medal clearing 5.81 meters.

With just the podium finishers left in the competition, Obiena took the initiative and went for the first attempt at 5.91m which he cleared in his initial try.

Duplantis and Nilsen both failed to clear 5.91m in their first attempts but decided to go for a pass and went straight to 5.96m.

Nilsen, already with a failed attempt at 5.91m, botched his two tries at 5.96m while Duplantis cleared the height in his first attempt en route to his gold medal performance at 6.01m and in the process set a new competition record, beating Sam Kendricks’ 6.00m clearance in 2019.

Obiena, who failed at his two attempts at 5.96m, decided to move on to 6.01m but that two ended in a botch.

Duplantis, after securing the gold, tried to vault over 6.19m but failed in his attempts.

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