ERNEST John Obiena rewrote history for Philippine athletics after capturing a silver medal and a second straight podium finish at the World Athletics Championships.
World No. 2 pole vaulter Obiena equaled his Asian record and personal best of 6 meters. He attempted to clear 6.05 meters but failed in his attempt.
That cleared the way for World No. 1 and world record holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden, who soared to 6.10 meters, to claim his second straight world title at this year’s worlds in Budapest, Hungary.
The Swede tried to reset his own world record of 6.22 meters but failed in his three attempts.
Christopher Nilsen of the US and Kurtis Marschall of Australia, meanwhile, shared the bronze medal.
Obiena’s win is definitely a step up from his bronze medal finish at last year’s world championships held in Oregon, the United States. This recent win puts him on the right path as he prepares for the Asian Games slated in Hangzhou, China in September and ultimately, the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
(MAIN PHOTO: EJ Obiena Facebook page)