By el Amigo
MANILA — Pole vault star Ernest John “EJ” Obiena claimed the silver medal at the 4th Domspringen Wesel in Germany after clearing 5.75 meters Wednesday night
Obiena needed two attempts to clear the height, finishing behind France’s Robin Emig, who topped the event with a 5.80m clearance. American Cole Walsh secured bronze at 5.70m, beating Frenchman Ethan Cormont on countback.
The result ended Obiena’s bid for a 10th gold medal this season as fatigue caught up with the Filipino vaulter following a demanding competition schedule.
“Rough, rough day and tiredness,” Obiena wrote on Instagram, describing his performance.
He said competing six times in 14 days took its toll, while mistakes at the earlier heights also affected his campaign.
Despite the setback, Obiena remains in excellent form. He won gold at the Istaf Berlin just two days earlier with a 5.82m clearance.
He also cleared 5.90m at the Zurich Diamond League on Aug. 27, a performance that secured his qualification for the 2027 World Championships.
Obiena’s next major target is the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, where he will defend his title.
ia/xf
