EJ Obiena continues bounce back after clinching bronze in Belgium tilt

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

EJ Obiena’s redemption tour is still on full display after grabbing the bronze medal during the recently concluded Brussels Diamond League held in Belgium last September 9, 2023.

The Filipino pole vaulting sensation is now on a three-medal podium streak after a disappointing outing during his campaign at Switzerland.

Obiena impressed once again in Belgium and completed his routine with a 5.92-meter finish which was enough to reward him with a bronze medal.

The former Tokyo Olympian equalized USA’s Sam Kendricks’ score but edged Obiena to claim the silver medal when he only needed one attempt to jump over the height.

Armand Duplantis, the world no. 1 ranked pole vaulter, is still the man to beat after nabbing another gold medal with a 6.10m score.

Obiena had the chance to push further after the 5.92m but fumbled his routine at the 6.02m mark in an attempt to close out on Duplantis and Kendricks.

“Happy with the consistency but definitely lots of things to work on. A few more days in Europe before we head to Eugene for the Diamond League Final,” posted Obiena on his Instagram account.

Before acing the 5.92m height, Obiena completed his leap at the 5.62m and the 5.82m after skipping the 5.72m height.

Obiena will look to grab his fourth-straight medal when he returns to the world stage in the upcoming Wanda Diamond League finals in Oregon on September 17.