FILIPINO pole vault star Ernest John Obiena settled for a silver at the Domspringen Wesel Internationales Stabhochsprungmeeting in Wesel, Germany on Tuesday (Wednesday in the Philippines).
The former University of Santo Tomas standout registered a best clearance of 5.75 meters in the competition while Robin Emig of France won the gold after clearing 5.80m.
The two-time Olympian entered the competition at 5.75m after passing on the 5.60m, 5.65m and 5.70m heights. He needed two attempts to successfully clear the bar.
Obiena then raised the bar to 5.85m in an effort to move higher in the standings but could not complete the clearance.
American Cole Walsh placed third on countback after also clearing 5.70m. France’s Ethan Cormont likewise reached the same height but required three attempts.
The second-place finish came at the end of a demanding stretch for Obiena, who has competed in six meets over the past 14 days.
“Rough, rough day and tiredness,” Obiena said in a social media post. “Eventually caught up after 6 competitions this last 14 days. Took too many mistakes at the earlier bars and paid the price.”
Despite the busy schedule, Obiena collected two victories during the stretch, including triumphs at the Golden Sand in Poland and ISTAF Berlin.
He also secured his qualification for the 2027 World Championships after clearing 5.90m and finishing fifth at the Zurich Diamond League meet on Aug. 27. (Adrian Co)
