Obiena claims silver
He just came off an injury so that is really a good performance
EJ Obiena kicked off his Olympic buildup on a high note as he claims a silver medal in the men’s pole vault event of the 13th Trivento International Meeting in Trieste, Italy.
Obiena, the country’s first qualifier to the Tokyo Olympics, soared with 5.45 meters to tie his golden performance in the 30th Southeast Asian Games last December.
Rio de Janeiro Olympics champion Thiago Braz de Silva of Brazil claimed the gold medal with 5.50 meters while Italian star Max Mandusic settled for bronze with 5.35 meters in the competition that serves as Obiena’s first battle since Italy went on nationwide lockdown due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Philippine Athletic Track and Field Association president Philip Ella Juico said it was a job well done for Obiena regardless of the color of his medal.
After all, he was not in perfect shape as his training was hampered by a back injury he suffered last month.
“That was his first competition since the pandemic, so it is understandable. I think he was really targeting around 5.50 meters,” Juico said.
“He just came off an injury so that is really a good performance.”
Obiena is now set to see action in the prestigious Diamond League on 14 August followed by a virtual tournament on 17 August.