EJ Obiena successfully defended his title in the Orlen Cup, clearing 5.77 meters on Monday (Philippine time) at the Atlas Arena in Łódź, Poland.
This is the Tokyo Olympian’s second gold in seven days after taking the Perche en Or title, and just two days from equalling his personal best of 5.91 in Uppsala, Sweden.
“Happy to take the win here today in Łódź Orlen Cup. It was a difficult battle, both physically and mentally,” Obiena said in a social media post.
Obiena captured the gold as three pole vaulters missed all their attempts at 5.82 meters.
Sam Kendricks of USA and hometown bet Piotr Lisek both have to settle for silver and bronze with 5.70 meters, while Italian Claudio Stecchi ended in fourth with the same height.
Obiena earlier went with the bar in his first attempt at 5.77, but he eventually cleared the said height. The world number 3 pole vaulter had just one try prior at 5.61.
The Asian outdoor record holder will stay in Poland and is scheduled to compete at the Copernicus Cup in Toruń.
