Obiena tallies first gold in 2023 indoor campaign
By Joie Frances Timbas
Thomasian pole vaulter EJ Obiena bagged his first gold title of the 2023 indoor season as he claimed the top spot in the Perche En Or competition in Roubaix, France, early Sunday morning (Manila time).
The world №3 cleared 5.82 meters on his first attempt to capture the gold medal.
Representing China, Yao Jie registered 5.75 meters as first runner-up while hometown bet Ethan Cormont settled for bronze with a 5.65 finish in the 12-man field in the main event of the pole vault festival.
Despite being victorious, it was not a perfect run for the Philippine Olympian as he cleared 5.75m on his last attempt. He also tried 5.90m, a few meters short of his personal best of 5.94m he made in the World Championships in Oregon last year,
but was unsuccessful.
Earlier in the competition, he skipped 5.25m, 5.40m and then cleared 5.55m easily in one go.
Finally grabbing the gold this time around, he improved from his recent performance at the International Jump Meeting in Cottbus, Germany, where he posted 5.77m for the silver medal, and what became his season-best at the time.
The most awaited Asian Indoor Athletics Championships happens in Kazakhstan next month where Obiena will compete.
