EJ Obiena captures his second gold medal of the year after starring in Poland

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Filipino pole vaulting sensation EJ Obiena is currently on a hot streak after winning his second gold medal in a week last February 5, 2023, held in Lodz, Poland.

Obiena once again pulled off a golden leap to dominate the 2023 Orlen Cup, tallying 5.77 meters while taking down 10 other international participants.

The world no. 3 male pole vaulter defeated United States’ Sam Kendricks for the gold medal who only managed 5.70 meters during his routine.

“Happy to take the win here today in Lodz Orlen Cup. It was a difficult battle, both physically and mentally. Now we rest and recover for the Copernicus Cup on the 8th of February,” Obiena posted on his official Facebook account.

Obiena is currently on a winning spree after taking his first gold medal seven days ago during the Perche en Or tournament held in Roubaix, France.

The Tokyo Olympian scored an impressive 5.82-meter performance to topple Yao Jie from China and Ethan Cormont of France.

Before his winning stint in France, Obiena nabbed the silver medal during the Internationales Springer-Meeting held in Cottbus, Germany last January 26, 2023.

Obiena was only 0.06 meters shy of edging United States’ Sam Perkins for the gold medal but failed to score a higher height after finishing all of his three tries.

The Filipino star will have the chance to bag another podium finish if he makes it into the top three of the Copernicus Cup on February 8, 2023.