EJ Obiena’s Challenges in Ostrava Golden Spike
EJ Obiena faced multiple challenges with his poles during the Ostrava Golden Spike event in the Czech Republic. This resulted in his lowest clearance in international competition in nearly two years.
Unlucky Day for EJ Obiena
On Tuesday, May 28, EJ Obiena placed seventh in the Ostrava Golden Spike after struggling with his poles. He cleared just 5.52m, failing to replicate his previous performance in the event where one of his poles broke.
Competition Results
Reigning Olympic champion Armand Duplantis of Sweden won the event by clearing 6.00m, while France’s Ethan Cormont and Belgium’s Ben Broeders shared the silver with a clearance of 5.62m. Czech Republic’s David Holy also achieved the same height to secure a bronze medal.
Pole Issues and Setbacks
Obiena faced challenges transporting his poles from the United States to the Czech Republic, with one pole breaking on the day of the competition. Despite the setbacks, he managed to clear 5.52m on his first attempt.
After the event, Obiena expressed his frustration on Facebook but remained positive about the situation, considering himself fortunate to be uninjured.
Recent Performances and Future Plans
Obiena, the Asian record holder, has had a mix of results in recent months as he prepares for the Paris Olympics. Following his performance in Ostrava, he aims to bounce back in the Oslo Bislett Games on May 30.
This event marks a crucial opportunity for Obiena to regain his form and continue his preparations for the upcoming competitions.