EJ Obiena bows out of contention in dramatic fashion in Tokyo pole vault finals

EJ Obiena will not land on the podium at the Tokyo Olympics.

The Filipino pole vaulter was unsuccessful in clearing the 5.80 meter mark to formally bow out of contention in the men's pole vault finals Tuesday at the Olympic Stadium.

It was a tough showing for the 25-year-old Obiena.

After easily clearing the 5.55-meter mark, he struggled in the next height after missing his first two leaps at 5.70m.

Just as he did in the qualification round last Sunday, Obiena was able to come through with a clutch showing on his third attempt to clear the mark and remain in the competition.

Obiena, currently ranked no. 6 in the world, again had to battle at 5.80m.

He was unable to clear his first and second tries, before seeming like he would be eliminated after initially fouling on his third attempt.

The Filipino, though, plead his case to the officials, as he was unable to make a clean attempt due to the uprights being moved into position even as Obiena's time began running down.

After some deliberation, his protest was upheld and he was granted one more attempt to replace his third.

Unfortunately for Obiena, he was still unsuccessful in clearing the height on his final attempt, and he was formally eliminated from medal contention.

Obiena cleared the 5.75-meter mark in the qualifications round last Saturday,  to ensure a finish within the Top 12 of the field.

The competition is still ongoing with eight competitors moving onto the 5.87m height.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News