EJ Obiena places joint third in post-Olympic meet

Metro Manila, Philippines — In his first competition after the Paris 2024 Olympics, EJ Obiena finished joint third Thursday, Aug. 22, in the Lausanne Diamond League in Switzerland.

The Filipino pole vaulter was tied with Sondre Guttormsen of Norway and Australia's Kurtis Marschall after they cleared 5.82 meters on their first attempt.

Obiena tried to clear 5.92 meters but failed in all three attempts.

As expected, reigning Olympic champion Armand Duplantis of Sweden topped the meet with 6.15 meters. He was followed by Paris Olympics silver medalist Sam Kendricks of the United States who cleared 5.92 meters.

Olympic bronze medalist Emmanouil Karalis of Greece placed sixth even with a 5.82 meters after clearing it on his second attempt.

Obiena narrowly missed the podium in the Paris Olympics where he placed fourth after clearing 5.90 meters, losing to Karalis in a tiebreaker for the bronze.