By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
EJ Obiena’s impressive podium finish came to a disappointing end, winding up dead last in the Zurich leg of the Wanda Diamond League on Friday, Sept. 1 (Manila time) in Switzerland.
The Olympic pole vaulter was obviously not in his element, managing only 5.60-meter this time – a far cry from his 6.00m showing in winning the silver medal in the World Championships last Sunday in Budapest, Hungary.
In an effort to salvage some measure of respect, Obiena did try to clear the barrier at 5.75m twice but he failed in both occasions in the 10-man field.
This marked the first time that Obiena missed the podium this outdoor season – his 5.75m performance was also his lowest since his record-shattering showin in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia last May.
In that event, he retained his title despite hurdling only at 5.65m on a wet condition.
Armand Duplantis of Sweden continued to dominate the field, winning the gold with 6.00m clearance in a fitting follow up to his victory in Budapest.
Sam Kendricks copped the silver with a season-best 5.95m while fellow American KC Lightfoot pocketed the bronze with 5.85m.
Like Obiena, Australian Kurtis Marschall and world No. 2 Chris Nilsen, who shared the bronze in the worlds, couldn’t find their old form and finished at fifth and sixth with 5.85m and 5.75m, respectively.
Obiena, who already earned an Olympic berth to Paris next year, aims to regain his footing when he competes in the Brussels leg of the Wanda Diamond League on Sept. 8 in Belgium.
