After a year’s delay, the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge is finally pushing through, according to Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena. The event sanctioned by World Athletics and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association will be held at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City from September 20 to 21.
The tournament was postponed in September 2024 after the two-time Olympian suffered a spine injury, which prevented him from joining the competition. According to Rappler, Obiena said that with him out of the competition, organizers believed they would not be able to “adequately deliver the competition to its full potential.”
“We are so excited to bring an event such as this to Philippine shores,” Obiena said in an online press conference on Monday, July 7. “This has been a dream, to bring the world of pole vault to the Philippines. I hope this could inspire the future generation of athletes.”
The world’s no. 4 pole vaulter added that the tournament is an opportunity to “showcase the country’s ability to host such a huge, international-level competition.” Some of the world’s top 10 pole vaulters are also expected to participate, and will earn points that count towards their ranking.
Obiena is set to participate in the Monaco leg of the Diamond League this Friday, July 11.
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