Filipino pole vaulter and Olympian EJ Obiena emerged victorious at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships held in Bangkok, Thailand, claiming the prestigious gold medal.
Ranked as the third-best pole vaulter globally, Obiena showcased his exceptional skills by setting a new event record of 5.91 meters in just two attempts.
This incredible feat shattered his own previous record of 5.71 meters, which he achieved during the 2019 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.
At the Bangkok Games, Obiena stood out as the sole athlete capable of clearing the impressive height of 5.91 meters. Although he aimed to vault 6.02 meters, his efforts fell short after three attempts.
Securing the second-place position was Hussain Asim Alhizam from Saudi Arabia, who managed a respectable height of 5.56 meters.
Meanwhile, China's Huang Bokai clinched the third spot through a countback, having achieved a height of 5.51 meters.
It is worth noting that Obiena had previously held the competition record at 5.71 meters since 2019, highlighting his consistent dominance in the sport.
The last instance when the Philippines celebrated multiple titles in this continental competition dates back to 1987, a remarkable year when the late sprint legend Lydia de Vega reigned supreme in both the women's 100m and 200m races.
Recently, Obiena secured his place in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, a remarkable achievement attained just two weeks ago.
He achieved the required qualifying mark of 5.82 meters at the Wanda Diamond League's Bauhaus Galan meet in Stockholm, Sweden, a significant event leading up to the Summer Games.
Furthermore, Obiena showcased his exceptional abilities and set a new Asian record during the Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway last June, solidifying his stature as a remarkable athlete in the international pole vaulting scene.
