FILE–Philippines’ top pole vaulter EJ Obiena. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines–EJ Obiena punctuated a magnificent season with another golden triumph at the 2022 Golden Fly Liechtenstein on Sunday.
The world’s No. 3 pole vaulter ruled the field by clearing 5.71 meters.
Obiena’s victory capped the second part of his season where the current Asian record-holder seized five gold medals out of seven tournaments in a span of three weeks.
The highlight of these victories was Obiena’s conquest of Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Mondo Duplantis in the Diamond League Memorial van Damme in Brussels.
Olen Tray Oates snatched the silver medal with a 5.61 and Ricardo Klotz placed third in 5.51.
The Filipino athletics star tried his luck at six meters but didn’t succeed.
“Exactly one year ago today, I broke the 29 year old Asian record in outdoor pole vault by jumping 5.93m. 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,” said Obiena in a Facebook post.
Last year, Obiena reset the Asian pole vault record by clearing 5.93m in the 2021 Golden Roof Challenge.