Filipino pole vault champion Ernest John “EJ” Obiena clinched the gold medal at the USA Track and Field Los Angeles Grand Prix, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting, held over the weekend.
The World No. 2-ranked Obiena dominated the competition by clearing 5.80 meters, outshining a strong field that included Americans Chris Nielsen (World #3), Sam Kendricks (World #4), KC Lightfoot (World #7), and Jacob Wooten (World #17).
Competing at Drake Stadium on May 18, 2024 (May 19 PhST), Obiena’s 5.80m jump secured him the top spot. Norway’s Simen Guttormsen, Lightfoot, and Nielsen cleared 5.70m, while Wooten and Kendricks managed 5.60m. Competitors Hussain Asim Al Hizam of Saudi Arabia and Norway’s Sondre Guttormsen did not clear any height.
Paris Olympics-bound Obiena showcased his prowess by clearing 5.45m and 5.60m on his first attempts, 5.70m on his second try, and finally, 5.80m to claim victory.
The Philippines’ champion pole vaulter EJ Obiena won the gold, defeating Americans on their home turf at the @usatf LA Grand Prix over the weekend. Obiena was the last man standing after clearing 5.80m. My full report via @GoodNewsPinas_ Screencaps from @ejobienapv video pic.twitter.com/2HKjBckSZy
— Angie Quadra Balibay (@AngieQBalibay) May 20, 2024
This win marks his third triumph this year, reaffirming his place in the elite 6-metre club of athletes who have successfully breached the height, after a short hiatus following his record-breaking performances at the ISTAF Berlin and the Memorial Josip Gašparac in Croatia.
Sharing his victory on social media, Obiena celebrated with a special message to his supporters:
“2024 Olympic Season Opened @losangelesgrandprix was a blast with all the Filipinos who came out waving flags and screamed their hearts out. Some were even wearing the #EJxPUMAshirts!!! 5.80m to get things rolling and a bonus win”
The 28-year-old from Tondo, Manila, is now setting his sights on winning the Philippines’ second gold medal at the Olympics in July, where he will challenge reigning world champion Armand Duplantis of Sweden.
WATCH EJ Obiena clear the pole vault high bar to secure victory at the USA Track & Field LA Grand Prix, displaying his dominance in the sport and readiness for his Olympic gold bid.
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