EJ Obiena sets new Asian pole vault record, wins Austrian event

EJ Obiena solidified his status as Asia's pole vault king by breaking the old Asian record in Austria.

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--After 29 years, the barometer for Asian pole vaulting greatness has been reset.

EJ Obiena broke the continental record for the highest leap in pole vault en route to winning it all in the Golden Roof Challenge in Austria early Sunday (Philippine Time).

Obiena breached past 5.93 meters, eclipsing the old Asian record of 5.92 set by Kazakhstan's Igor Potapovich in 1992.

Obiena actually was not required to go for it as the rest of the field were already eliminated from gold medal contention after 5.8 meters.

But with the Asian record already within reach after finally getting past 5.9 two weeks ago in the Wanda Diamond League Paris leg, Obiena opted to attempt for Asian history again.

Obiena missed out on his first two attempts, but in his final shot, he finally cleared 5.93 meters, etching his name in Asian pole vault history books.

Coming in at second place is American Matt Ludwig, edging eventual bronze medalist Ersu Sasma of Turkey via tiebreaker.

Both pole vaulters settled for 5.6-meter finishes, but Ludwig took the silver after clearing it in one attempt, whereas Sasma needed two tries to clear the height.

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