Filipino pole-vaulter EJ Obiena
Ernest John U. Obiena fell short on his push to land a podium finish in the finals of the men’s pole vault of the Tokyo Games at the Olympic Stadium, Tuesday night.
Mr. Obiena fouled on his three attempts at 5.80 meters, which sent him crashing early in the competition.
On his last try, he caught a break when he was given another attempt after complaining to officials about the time. But he could still not capitalize on it as he touched the bar on his way down after getting the height he needed.
Mr. Obiena cleared 5.55m and 5.70m in the finals.
As of this writing, only seven athletes were left in the competition, attempting to clear 5.87 meters.
Mr. Obiena was the first Filipino athlete to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics back in 2019 and the only Asian to see action in the finals of the men’s pole vault. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo