Two borrowed poles saved Ernest John “EJ” Obiena’s campaign on Friday at the Diamond League – Oslo Bislett Games in Norway.
American KC Lightfoot, who claimed the gold medal, allowed Obiena to use his gear, and so did Dutch bet Menno Vloon after EJ’s pole broke during practice.
Obiena went on to clear 5.72 meters for the bronze medal, following a countback with five others, including Emmanouil Karalis of Greece, who settled for the silver.
Lightfoot, who topped the event with a clearance of 5.82 meters, and Vloon, lent their poles to Obiena.
“Diamond League of the season here in Oslo. First, another pole broken and it’s not even…. On the brighter side of things, thanks to Vlo and KC Lightfoot for lending me poles to jump on. Greatly appreciate it, gentleman,” said Obiena in thanking Lightfoot and Vloon for their help.
Vloon landed at 6th place with the same 5.72m clearance, behind Katralis, Obiena, Sam Kendricks and Bo Kanda Lita Baehre.
Obiena is next headed for the Bauhas Galan in Stockholm, Sweden this Sunday for another Diamond League event.
World and Olympic champion Armand Duplantis and other Paris Olympics rivals will be there to compete with Obiena.
Three days ago, Obiena broke his pole during competition and landed seventh place at the 2024 Ostrava Golden Spike – World Athletics Continental Tour Gold in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
The incident came at the end of a frustrating week for the 28-year-old Obiena, who began encountering issues while trying to transport his gear from Los Angeles to Europe.
Duplantis ruled the said event after clearing 6.00m, while Ethan Cormont of France took the silver at 5.62 meters. Belgian Ben Broeders settled for the bronze, also at 5.62 meters.
Obiena managed to clear 5.52 meters before missing out on his attempt 5.72 meters twice.
After that, Obiena’s pole snapped in two, while he was up in the air trying clear 5.82 meters.
