EJ Obiena continued his ascent to the top of men’s pole vault with a highly impressive golden performance on Sunday. Clearing 5.92m on his third attempt, the world's no. 2 pole vaulter claimed the Stadionfest (ISTAF) crown at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.
With his winning jump, the pride of Tondo, Manila relegated Sondre Guttormsen of Norway to second place. Trailing them was American pole vaulter KC Lightfoot at third.
The victory was probably extra sweet for Obiena, considering he finished last in the Zurich leg of the Wanda Diamond League just a few days ago.
Just as Obiena celebrated his latest achievement, his supporters made sure to give the athletics star’s triumph the fanfare it deserves.
On Facebook, Lito Oredo channeled Obi Wan Kenobi to congratulate his idol.
“The Force Is with you, keep flying and higher and higher,” he posted.
Netizen Namreh Onilatac Divad Sotnas was particularly impressed by Obiena’s bounce-back ability.
“Congrats, nakabawi kaagad, idol,” she commented.
Facebook user Raymund Redor may have intended to do a pun, considering EJ was rocking a cap as he did his jumps in Berlin.
“Another feather in the cap. Congratulations,” he wrote.
Over on X (formerly Twitter), Obiena’s fans were in a celebratory mood as well.
Netizen Hanyu made sure to document EJ’s title-clinching jump.
“CLUTCH CLEARANCE FOR THE GOLD,” he tweeted.
With the gold secured, Obiena tried to break his personal record by attempting to clear 6.01m to no avail. One of his followers in @espressoroll wishes for his guy to get it in the future.
“EJ wasn't able to clear 6.01m! maybe next time,” he said.
X user @miannreyes’ tweet encapsulated what every Obiena fan felt after EJ’s performance in Germany.
“EJ OBIENA CLEARS 5.92 AND WINS GOLD AT ISTAF BERLIN!!!! AHHHHHH,” she said.
Despite the Zurich speed bump, the medals keep piling up for Obiena. Getting one in Paris next year looks more and more possible as the season progresses.
(GM)