The Philippines’ Ernest John “EJ” Obiena has won his first gold medal of the year 2023 at the Perche en Or Roubaix stage of the Perche Elite Tour in France.
The World No. 3 in Men’s Pole Vault easily cleared 5.82 meters on his first attempt to win the championship title of the Golden Pole on January 28 (January 29 Philippine time).
EJ Obiena first cleared 5.55m in one try, and passed 5.75m on his third attempt, before clearing 5.82 meters in one go to claim the No. 1 spot on the podium.
The Philippines’ champion tried but failed to clear 5.90m in three tries, but still bested China’s Jie Yao who placed second at 5.75m, and France’s Ethan Cormont at third with 5.65m at the Men’s Final event at the Stab Velodrome.
“How easy for Ernest Obiena! The Filipino offers himself a prestigious victory in the Perche Or de Roubaix competition with 5.82 m!” posted event broadcaster Fédération Française d’Athlétisme.
The Philippines' @ejobiena wins his first gold of the year at the Elite Tour @Perche_en_or in France STORY on @GoodNewsPinas_ #Filipinochampion https://t.co/zANFJ5AbcO
— Angie Quadra-Balibay (@AngieQBalibay) January 30, 2023
The 27-year-old Filipino athlete achieved his feat and improved his season-best record just three days after his 5.77m silver finish at the indoor season opener of the International Springer-Meeting in Cottbus, Germany.
In 2022, Obiena won 12 gold medals. He claimed the silver at the Perche Elite Tour outdoor stage in Rouen.
Obiena holds Asia’s Record at 5.94 meters, established during his historic bronze medal win at the World Athletics 2022 in Oregon.
EJ Obiena will next compete at the Mondo Classic in Uppsala on February 2. He will also lead the Philippine contingent at the 2023 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships scheduled from February 10 to 12 in Kazakhstan.
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