Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8) — Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena won the silver medal in the Meeting International de Sotteville held in Rouen, France on Saturday (Manila time) to complete his warm-up for the Asian Athletics Championships.
Obiena cleared 5.72 meters in a single attempt after skipping the first four heights to secure the silver and extend his medal streak.
Australia’s Kurtis Marschall emerged as champion after hurdling 5.95 meters — his personal best — securing his ticket to the 2024 Olympics.
World No. 3 Obiena tried to vault 5.87 meters but his two tries failed.
He then went for 5.92 meters in his last jump but he also did not clear the bar, giving Marschall the gold as he registered 5.82 meters with three attempts.
France’s Thiery Baptiste got the bronze as he passed 5.72 meters, settling behind Obiena via countback.
The 27-year-old Filipino has already booked his way to the Summer Games after leaping to the 5.82-qualifying mark in Sweden on July 3 (Manila time).
Obiena, who is from Tondo, Manila, will head to the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok, Thailand on July 12 to 16.
