EJ Obiena marks comeback with bronze medal in China meet

EJ Obiena made a strong return to action as he secured a bronze medal in the World Athletics Continental Tour in China on Sunday, marking his first appearance back on the international stage after nearly two months.

The Filipino pole vault ace cleared 5.65 meters to claim the third place behind gold medalist Tao Zhong of the host country and silver medal winner Cole Walsh of the United States.

China’s 23-year-old Zhong cleared a personal-best 5.75 meters to seize the gold, while Walsh matched the mark with a season-high outing but settled for silver on countback.

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Competing for the first time since July 19, Obiena passed on the opening height of 5.35m, cleared 5.50m on his second attempt, and easily soared over 5.65m on his first try.

The 29-year-old Filipino standout attempted 5.75m and 5.85m but failed to clear both, settling for third place.

The competition marks the start of a busy month for Obiena, who will also suit up for two more big tournaments, including the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge he will be hosting later for an international field this month in Makati.

Two batches of competitors have been announced for the meet, the first including Menno Vloon, Austin Miller, and Matt Ludwig and the second, which added Ersu Sasma, Thibaut Collet, Ben Broeders, Piotr Lisek, and Oleg Zernikel to the list.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News