World No. 3 EJ Obiena wins a solid start to his 2023 indoor season, copping a silver medal at the Internationales Springer-Meeting in Germany.
Successful Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena, who finished with 12 gold medals last year, is at it again, as he adds another medal to his vast collection.
At the Internationales Springer-Meeting in Cottbus, Germany yesterday, the Filipino Olympian won the silver medal, finishing behind the two-time champion Sam Kendricks.
Obiena cleared a height of 5.77 meters in just one attempt to finish second. Meanwhile, Kendricks managed to clear a top score of 5.82 meters, also doing so in one attempt.
In his attempt to match Kendrick’s score, Obiena failed his first two attempts to clear 5.82 meters. On his third and final attempt, he hit the bar.
Finishing behind the Filipino was Belgian pole vaulter Ben Broeders, who reached a score of 5.72 meters to secure third place.
With his first tournament and first medal of the 2023 indoor season in the bag, EJ Obiena is expected to continue on his successful run this year. In 2022, his gold medal at the Brussels Diamond League in Belgium highlighted his medal-stacked season, as he surpassed the record-holder Armand Duplantis.
Following this result, Obiena will continue to vie for more success in his upcoming tournaments, especially as he eyes the road toward the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Banner image from EJ Obiena on Instagram.
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