FILE–Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena.(Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines–Prepping up for the coming Asian Games, EJ Obiena managed to cling to the medal podium in the Brussels leg of the Diamond League.
Obiena soared to 5.92 meters on his third attempt to settle for the bronze medal, placing behind world champion Armand “Mondo’’ Duplantis of Sweden and American Sam Kendricks.
“Happy with the consistency but definitely lots of things to work on,” said Obiena on social media. “A few more days in Europe before we head to Eugene for the Diamond League Final.”
Duplantis easily hurdled the same height right on his first try and later on cleared 6.02m and 6.10 in setting a new meet record without any opposition lurking over his shoulders.
Kendricks claimed the silver after jumping over 5.92 in his first go during the meet held at the King Baudouin Stadium in Belgium.
Obiena and Kendricks tried in vain to clear 6.02.
Obiena, the world’s No. 3 vaulter behind Duplantis and American Chris Nilsen, claimed a medal for the third consecutive tournament following his victories in Germany at the ISTAF Berlin and NetAachen Domspringen last week.
The current Asian champion and record-holder of six meters hurdled 5.92 in both tournaments.
Obiena will see action in the Diamond League finals in Eugene, Oregon on Sept 16-17 before jumping on a plane to Hangzhou, China for the 19th Asian Games beginning Sept. 22.
The Filipino pole vault star successfully defended his title at the Asian championships in Bangkok, Thailand two months ago and will cement his reign in the continent at the Asiad.