EJ ends outdoor season in style

MANILA, Philippines — EJ Obiena of the Philippines capped this year’s outdoor season by topping the Golden Fly in Schaan, Leichtenstein last Sunday, clearing 5.71 meters to beat American Olen Tray Oates (5.61m) and Austrian Riccardo Klotz (5.51m).

It was the fifth gold medal and seventh straight podium in the past three weeks for the world No. 3 and Asian record-holder.

The golden string included a memorable triumph in the Memorial Van Damme in Brussels, Belgium more than a week ago when he shocked for the first time Olympic and world champion and world record-holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden.

Interestingly, Obiena’s victory at Leichtenstein came exactly a year when he first broke the 29-year-old Asian record by vaulting ton 5.93m in the Golden Roof Challenge in Innsbruck, Austria.

He later smashed it with a 5.94m in the Worlds in Eugene, Oregan last July.

“A lot has happened since then, and just a few hours ago, almost did 6m. As usual, we keep on trying and keep on fighting, for the country,” said Obiena.