Third gold in nine days for world No. 3 Obiena
Philippines’ Ernest John Obiena competes in the men’s pole vault city event during the Diamond League athletics meeting Athletissima in Lausanne on August 25, 2022. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)
Earning the applause of an adoring crowd, Ernest John Obiena stretched his triumphant streak in Germany that more than justified the recognition he got from the country’s lawmakers.
The Filipino pole vault star ruled the St. Wendel City Jump early Thursday morning, his third gold medal overall in a span of nine days at the European circuit.
Prior to his victorious jump, the House of Representatives adopted a House resolution honoring the recent exploits of the world’s No. 3 vaulter, who claimed gold medals in the 26th Internationales Stabhochsprung Meeting in Jockgrim on Aug. 23 and the True Athletes Classic 2022 on Aug. 28 in Leverkusen, both in Germany.
“Greatest of thanks for the commendation,’’ posted Obiena in his Facebook account.
At Wendel City, in front of a full-packed outdoor throng, the Asian record holder reset the competition record of 5.71 meters with a 5.86m effort that resulted in a gold.
“Back to back [victories in a week]. My third attempt on opening height made this competition even more breathtaking. As always the competition atmosphere was amazing and thank you for having me,’’ said Obiena, who went atop the medal podium thrice in his last four competitions.
Menno Vloon of the Netherlands placed second and Under-20 world champion Anthony Ammirati of France wound up third, both of them clearing 5.81m.
Obiena again tried to break his personal best and Asian standard of 5.94m, but couldn’t hurdle six meters after three attempts.
The Tokyo Olympian established his record at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon last month where he won a historic bronze medal, the first podium finish for the country in global track and field.
Obiena has three more competitions to hurdle with the Memorial van Damme in Belgium on Friday, ISTAF Berlin on Sept. 4 and the Golden Fly in Liechtenstein on Sept. 11.
