MANILA, Philippines – Filipino pole-vault star EJ Obiena snared a silver medal in the FBK Games in Hengelo, the Netherlands Sunday night against world-class competition to underscore his ability to deliver the country its first Olympic medal in athletics in almost a century. The 25-year-old Obiena, who is being supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Summit, cleared 5.80 meters to cop the silver and finish behind eventual gold medalist and world record-holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden, who vaulted to an astonishing 6.10m. The Southeast Asian Games gold medalist went for the national outdoor record of 5.81m he himself set in Chiari, Italy two years ago but failed in three attempts. Vloon took the bronze with a 5.80m while Braz and Broeders were fifth and sixth with identical 5.62m. It also should help Obiena gain confidence as he aims to become the first Filipino to snatch an Olympic medal in track and field since Miguel White bagged a 400m hurdles bronze in the 1936 Berlin Games.

Source: Philippine Star June 07, 2021 05:36 UTC