After settling for the bronze in Monaco last Friday, Ernest John Obiena bagged the silver medal this time in the virtual pole vault meet of the FineGuard last Sunday with a leap of 5.6 meters in Formia, Italy.
His training partner and defending Olympic champion Thiago Braz da Silva claimed the gold medal with a 5.7-meter performance, also in Formia.
Their rivals, Matt Ludwig and Pawel Wojciechowski had clearances of 5.35 meters and 5.20 meters for the bronze and fourth place, respectively, while in Poland.
Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association Philip Ella Juico, who was in communication with Obiena, said the conditions were challenging because of strong winds.
But Obiena’s enthusiasm to compete helped him refine his technique.
“EJ is really intent on participating in as many competitions as he can, to further refine his technique. He had just arrived from the Diamond League in Monaco on Saturday afternoon. And in less than 48 hours, he jumped right back into another star-studded tournament. EJ continues to make us and the country proud!,” said Juico.
The 24-year-old Obiena said it has been a fruitful two weeks with 3 medals.
“But the gold remains elusive, I hope to get them in the coming competitions. Thank you to all 100 countries who tuned in. Philippines, I hope I made you proud,” said Obiena in an online message.
Last Friday, a well-rested Obiena cleared 5.70 meters and claimed the bronze against the world’s best in the 2020 Monaco Diamond League.
Obiena was 11 centimeters short of his 5.81 personal best during the afternoon finals at the Stade Louis II in the Fontvieille district of Monaco.
But the 6’2” Obiena was still thankful of the result after he and Ben Broeders of Belgium both had clearances of 5.70 m.
It was considered as Obiena’s best effort for the season after he claimed the silver medal last week in the 13th Triveneto International Meeting with a 5.45-meter showing in Trieste, Italy.
