EJ Obiena is through to the men's pole vault finals of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
It took some tense moments but EJ Obiena will jump for the gold medal in the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Obiena survived an early scare Saturday (Philippine time), qualifying for the finals of men’s pole vault in these Olympics.
The qualification standard was set for 5.80 meters, but the pole vaulters didn’t need to jump that height as the field of 31 was reduced to the required 12 after 5.75 meters.
EJ cleared 5.75m on his first attempt, which put him 7th in the qualifications. World no. 1 and defending Olympic champion Armand Duplantis topped the field, clearing the same height but on less attempts.
While Obiena was safely through, his qualification to the finals didn’t come without drama.
Obiena skipped the first height of 5.40 meters and jumped at 5.60 meters.
However, the Filipino athletics ace missed his first two jumps, putting him on the risk of elimination.
Obiena opted to skip his final attempt at 5.60m, instead choosing for a do-or-die jump at 5.70 meters.
At 5.70m, EJ cleared his decisive jump with ease, setting up his aforementioned 5.75m jump that allowed him to qualify.
The pole vault finals are set for 1:00 a.m. on August 6 (Philippine time).