EJ Obiena solidified his position in the final of the men’s pole vault at the 2023 World Athletics Championships by achieving a one-time clearance at 5.75 meters on Wednesday, held at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary.
The athlete, who is set to participate in the Paris Olympics, was among the 13 pole vaulters who successfully cleared the specified height, with four of them accomplishing the feat in a single attempt.
Accompanying Obiena at the pinnacle were his fellow medalists from the 2022 World Championships: Armand Duplantis of Sweden and Christopher Nilsen of the United States, along with Australian competitor Kurtis Marschall.
Interestingly, Obiena only made two attempts during the entire afternoon. He opted to forego the initial height of 5.35 meters and the bar set at 5.70 meters. His other successful clearance was achieved at 5.55 meters.
As the 27-year-old stalwart from the Philippines advances, he will strive to replicate or even surpass his performance from the previous year, where he secured a bronze medal. The medal round is scheduled for Sunday morning (Philippine time).
