EJ Obiena soars to no. 2 in pole vault world rankings

EJ Obiena is now the second best pole vaulter in the world.

The Filipino pole vault ace vault has jumped to no. 2 spot in the world rankings, overtaking Christopher Nilsen of the United States with 1432 points. The American vaulter currently has 1428 points to drop to third spot while world record holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden remains the number one pole vaulter with 1569 markers.

The development came just days before Obiena competes in the Monaco leg of the Diamond League happening on July 21. He will also banner the Philippines in the World Athletics Championship next month in Budapest, Hungary.

In a social media post, Obiena said rising to world no. 2 isn't only his achievement but also his country's as well, and those who went to "war" with him.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ernest Obiena (@ernestobienapv)

"Your very own skinny kid from Tondo, alumni of CKSC and UST, is now WORLD NUMBER TWO," he said.

"Thank you to everyone who made this possible, and my deepest gratitude to those who went to war so that I could continue this dream. This is not just my accomplishment alone, but everyone’s."

Obiena recently won the gold medal and set a new tournament record in the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News