Olympic-bound EJ Obiena secures first US win at LA Grand Prix
Photo from ernestobienapv/Instagram
Filipino pole vault sensation EJ Obiena has scored another international medal, securing his first win in the US at the annual USA Track and Field Los Angeles Grand Prix.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Asian champion as he prepares for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games.
Not just a gold medal win, the world No. 2 also became the only athlete in the competition to clear the 5.8-meter mark, solidifying his dominance at the event.
Ahead of the event, Obiena took to Instagram to share his excitement and invite support from the local Filipino community.
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“Kicking off the Olympic season this Saturday in [Los Angeles Grand Prix]. See you all at Drake Stadium at 12:20pm local time,” he wrote, along with photos of his preparation.
The competition, held at the Drake Stadium, saw Obiena face tough competition in a field of seven internationally renowned vaulters, including American record-holder KC Lightfoot, Saudi record-holder Hussain Assem Al-Hizam and 2020 Olympic silver medalist Chris Nilsen.
Despite the fierce competition, the Filipino athlete ascended to the top, outperforming Norwegian Simen Guttormsen and Lightfoot, who claimed silver and bronze respectively.
Reflecting on his performance, Obiena described the Olympic season-opener as a bonus win.
“2024 Olympic Season Opened,” he shared on social media. “[Los Angeles Grand Prix] was a blast with all the Filipinos who came out waving flags and screamed their hearts out. Some were even wearing the #EJxPUMA shirts!!!”
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He concluded his post writing, “5.80m to get things rolling and a bonus win,” accompanied by photos with his Filipino supporters and his winning leap.
EJ Obiena has spent the past six weeks in the US, honing his skills and preparing for the forthcoming season. He will soon head to Europe for more competitions, using these events to fine-tune his performance ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games.
The international athlete continues to defy gravity and expectations, finishing 2023 with a score of 1,443 to maintain his position as number two in the World Rankings.
