Exactly a year since he broke an Asian record, Ernest John “EJ” Obiena added another gold medal to his trophy room with another first-place finish in the Liechtenstein leg of the Golden Fly Series on Sunday (Monday, Manila time).
Obiena’s eighth gold medal for the year was a 5.71-meter performance, 10 centimeters below from what he did when he got the silver in the ISTAF Berlin in Germany last week.
He has since commemorated his effort since it was a year since he set the Asian record of 5.93 meters.
That’s because he tried to go for six meters again after he went up to 5.71 meters, but flunked in his bid again.
“Exactly one year ago today, I broke the 29-year-old Asian record in outdoor pole vault by jumping 5.93m,” said Obiena in a Facebook post.
American rival Olen Tray Oates settled for the silver with 5.61 meters, while Austria’s Riccardo Klotz took the bronze with 5.51 meters.
“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,” added Obiena.